Nature Happenings

• Western Wood-Peewees, one of our latest arriving migrants, return this month.
• California Poppies, Wild Morning Glory, Blue-eyed Grass, Indian Paintbrush, Sky Lupine, Fiddleneck, Winecup Clarkia, Fire Poppy, Globe Lily and Chinese Houses bloom this month.
• American Badgers give birth to up to five cubs early this month.
• Porcupine mothers give birth to their single pup this month.
• Rhododendrons bloom this month all over California.
• Peak of warbler migration happens early in the month.
• Black-headed Grosbeaks return.
• Lesser Goldfinches begin nesting.
• Peak of bird courtship. Listen for the dawn chorus.
• Nesting materials are being collected.
• Chickadees and titmice become scarce at feeders as they nest and raise their young.
• Spring wildflowers are in peak bloom; visit them in South Yuba River State Park, on the Buttermilk Bend Trail.
• Eta Aquarids meteor shower is early-May.
• International Migratory Bird Day is mid-May.