I was in Riverside last Friday and, perfectly timed with the second day of spring, I encountered a few new birds for the season. The first was a Double-crested Cormorant flying over the Des Plaines River. I may have seen one before this date but this is the first one I have listed and photographed.

There seemed to be not much happening after that, but then I noticed the pair of Eastern Bluebirds farther out in the area called Swan Pond on the other side of the paved trail. The female was the first to recognize me.

Then the male flew in, and they both posed for photos.

It was as if they were welcoming me back. This was the third time I have seen them so far this spring.

As I crossed the swinging bridge, I heard and then saw a Belted Kingfisher.

Then I heard an Eastern Phoebe singing, and located him shortly after that. This was a first-of-year (FOY) bird for me.

In Riverside Lawn after I crossed the bridge, I didn’t find much. Still, it was nice to see a female Northern Cardinal.

And Song Sparrows have been singing and foraging here and there.

Near the end of the trail going out, I found a Golden-crowned Kinglet. I have been seeing them ever since.

I was going to do a longer post with more photos, but I think I would rather do a series of shorter posts for a change, as the birds are coming alive to the season and I am trying to keep up with the changes, however subtle.