Study this list of local species of interest for information that will help you be a more informed back yard bird enthusiast:

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Overwintering density was high this year. Many RTHU remained in our area for the entire winter and/or a lot of movement continued across the north Gulf Coast throughout winter and feeder sightings were relatively common. Spring migration has begun for birds that are returning from overwintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Peak activity in Alachua County occurs in the second and third weeks of April. Numbers and observations usually drop dramatically after the bulk of birds has pushed through our area and breeding season is on. Recommended food - hummingbird nectar.


Baltimore Oriole - Numbers began to decrease this winter right after February 15. Activity will remain fairly high in yards that have had busy feeders all winter but most of us are already seeing a significant decline in the numbers of orioles at our feeders. There is one more migratory push in mid-April, though. In some years, this can be a significant bump in the level of feeder activity just as we begin to think that it's over until August or September. We never know until it's here but you can anticipate because, if it happens, it will begin in the first week of April and end by the third week of April. Recommended food - Bark Butter, Bark Butter Bits, jelly, nectar, grapes, shelled peanuts, mealworms, SuperSuet.
Yellow-throated Warbler - Migration began in early August. Gradual onset of overwintering birds continues through fall. Recommended food - Bark Butter Bits, Bark Butter, sunflower chips, SuperSuet.
Painted Bunting - Small trickle of migration occurred in late August. Second wave begins in early October. Overwintering rate varies from year to year but seems to be increasing. Recommended food - white proso millet.
Gray Catbird - Migration beginning currently. Overwintering follows migratory peak. Recommended food - Bark Butter, Bark Butter Bits.
Pine Warbler - Migration begins early October. Overwintering follows migratory peak. Recommended food - Bark Butter, Bark Butter Bits, SuperSuet.
Chipping Sparrow - Migration begins around the third week of October. Numbers increase throughout winter. Recommended food - white proso millet.
American Goldfinch - Migration begins around the first week of November. Numbers are unpredictable until migration begins further north and finch forecast is available. Recommended food - sunflower chips, oil sunflower, nyjer.
Rufous Hummingbird - Migration has begun although no birds are usually reported in Alachua County until around mid-November. November 15 is considered the beginning of overwintering phase for hummingbirds. Recommended food - hummingbird nectar.