I've been enjoying some time this year watching birds in western Pennsylvania near one of the only places in the state where cranes nest, including Sandhill Cranes.

Many birds are returning to our area this time of year, including flycatchers, warblers, vireos, and this Blue-gray Gnatcatcher I photographed last week. 

Warbler migration peaks in early May, but some earlier migrants are common in April, including this Palm Warbler I found in Lebanon County last week.

I enjoyed watching some aerial acrobatics above the York store a few weeks ago. An American Crow was dive-bombing a much larger Common Raven.

I came across a juvenile Mourning Dove this week in my yard.  It had only been a day or two since it left the nest. 

Every encounter I've had with the Pileated Woodpecker has been special. I saw them somewhat regularly in my forested backyard where I grew up, just south of Pittsburgh.

Thrushes are medium-sized songbirds with medium-sized bills, large heads, and strong legs.