From our birding correspondent, John Tschopp, a springtime report:

The mild, sunny weather attracted the first of our smaller migrants. On March 14 I observed three Western Meadowlarks and a single Mountain Bluebird. They were kind enough to pose for a picture.

Another bird to announce its arrival was a Red-breasted Sapsucker ringing the bell on a traditional metal pipe. It has been doing for at least the last 15 years.

The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized icterid bird, about 8.5 in (22 cm) long. It nests on the ground in open country in western and central North America grassland. It feeds mostly on insects, but also seeds and berries. It has distinctive calls described as watery or flute-like.

Photos by John Tschopp.