Not surprisingly, spring migration is my favorite birding time of year though so often I don't get the chance to get out on the big days when weather elements converge to create surges of spring migrants passing through en masse on a particular day.  This year was no different with work days conflicting with big wave days.  However, I finally did get myself out on 3 different occasions.  Though I didn't see huge volume of birds, I brought my camera and captured some great shots of a few of my favorite.  PLUS I saw a new life lister, the blue-gray gnatcatcher.  I didn't have my field book with me but with the ample photos taken I was able to id the couple at home.  Take a look at my slide show and you will see why I refer to them as a "couple".  How exciting to witness the pair of birds taking turns bringing in worms to the young in the lichen-lined nest (excitement only a bird nerd can appreciate I suppose.)  I couldn't see the babies from my low vantage point but it was still WAY cool!

https://picasaweb.google.com/116153324670792808729/SpringBirds2013?authuser=0&feat=directlink

 Another way I do a lot of birding is by ear when I run or even as I drive.  I slow down in wooded areas driving with the windows down with ears keened.  Sadly, I hardly heard any thrushes this year, my favorite songsters.  I did hear a veery a few times while running at Borderland and just yesterday heard a Swainson's thrush while walking up a driveway to a graduation party.  But I haven't heard a wood thrush at all this spring which bothers me!  Where are they?