Spring's First Push North

For birdwatchers in Connecticut, the most anticipated time of the year is without a doubt spring migration. To some, the onset of warmer temperatures and singing birds are reason enough to dust off the old binoculars and get outside. But you don’t have to wait until the end of April to think about bird migration, it’s already happening, right now in late February.

Connecticut River

                              

     If getting a jump on you’re year list is what you desire, then a visit to the Connecticut River is a must. It is here where you will find, among the ice flows, the season’s first push of migrant waterfowl. Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers are just some of the beautiful species one can find on the river.   

     During the daily comings and goings of migrant ducks, birders will have the chance to observe a variety of courtship displays and behavior. For instance, Common Mergansers are now forming pair bonds at Charter Oak Landing in Hartford. Males can be seen courting females with neck-stretching and bill pointing displays.  

      One of my favorite courtship behaviors is that of the male Common Goldeneye. Their spectacular "head-throw” display involves a forward head thrust, then a quick movement back toward the rump with bill pointing up. With over one hundred goldeneye overwintering in Enfield, the South River Street Boat Launch affords excellent viewing opportunities.

Ring-necked Ducks

     Ring-necked Ducks and Hooded Mergansers are also conspicuous at this time of the year. Any trace of open water is a magnet for these two smaller species of diving duck. Watch for them feeding along the ice-free margins of the Connecticut River.

     The Connecticut River is one of the most important migratory flyways on the east coast. Like an airport, the rivers daily arrivals and departures of ducks serves as a reminder that spring migration is well underway.