May Nature Happenings

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles are back! Keep those nectar feeders clean, rinsing and refilling about every 2 days.
  • Sub-adult Purple Martins return to establish new colonies early in the months.
  • Warbler migration peaks early in May. Nearly 30 species will migrate through the region. See some of them with us on our bird walks at the Ford House! Click here for bird walk schedule and link to purchase tickets.

  • Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Common Nighthawks, Wood Thrushes, Veerys and Chimney Swifts return.
  • Peak of bird courtship. Listen for the morning chorus.
  • Yearling Purple Martins (previous year's fledglings) arrive mid- to late-May.
  • Nesting materials are being collected. Some birds, like Chickadees and Titmice, will even pull fur off a live animal, for use as nesting material!

  • Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice become scarce at feeders as they nest and raise their young.
  • Mosquitoes increase in numbers late in the month.
  • Eta Aquarids meteor shower is early-May, with best rates expects about a week of either side of May 5th.
  • International Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 11th. Click here to learn more about this.