March ended with spring migration officially underway. The first Osprey, my "first sign of spring" arrived March fourth, a couple weeks earlier than I usually see one, and woodcock started a bit early this spring, too. But then the cold weather kept the new arrivals down to a trickle. Migrating ducks and waterfowl dominated as photography subjects in March, although they are tough to get close to in Connecticut. Many of my pictures were pretty distant, but ducks in breeding plumage are some of the most beautiful birds to see. Blue and Green-winged Teal are among my favorites, although their wariness and diminutive size continue to frustrate my efforts to get really nice pictures. The Common Teal(s??) in Portland added a bit off excitement, although I should revise my list down because they are not considered a separated species from Green-winged Teal. Some of the stunning ducks I had some success with include Wood Duck, Lesser Scaup and Northern Shoveler. 

     As the month drew to a close, new shorebirds arrived including greater Yellowlegs, American Oystercatcher and Piping Plovers. Wading birds like Snowy and Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons are increasing in numbers even though a few over wintered in Connecticut. Soon the real fun will begin with the arrival of migrant songbirds. Here are my photo highlights from the past month.