The northern cardinal is a very steady inhabitant; its range does not vary with the seasons. The blackburnian warbler, on the other hand, migrates great distances from the Andes to eastern Canada. The scarlet tanager is also a great traveler, covering long distances from South America to eastern Canada, while the wester tanager keeps to the Pacific side of North America from Mexico in the winter to the American and Canadian west in the summer.

I chose Merlin’s likely birds features for those who live in my area year-round and those who come through only part of the time.  I live in Illinois. Year-round individuals are the Carolina Wren, the Red Bellied Woodpecker, and the Cedar Waxwing (a rarity).  I’ve seen the woodpecker all year at my feeders.  I usually only see the Carolina Wren during the colder months—they always remind me of an avian version of a chipmunk, tail in the air and stripes down the body.  I have only ever seen the Waxwing in the spring and these often like to pull the bark off of our grapevines (something female cardinals also do).  They have a fairly distinctive red bar on the wings and a yellow strip across the end of the tail, as well as its bandit mask.  Very pretty and unusual looking birds. Visitors to my general region are the White Throated Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, and the Brown Thrasher, which is a rare bird.  The two types of sparrows I see during winter months.  The American Tree Sparrow has a distinctive heart-shape on the chest and the beak has a dark upper and a light-colored lower portion—really these were my two main criteria for identifying this species.  They live in northern Canada during spring, summer, and fall.  The White Throated Sparrow has yellow in front of its eyes and white at its throat.  During warmer seasons it lives in Canada and in winter it lives in the lower 48 of the US. The Brown Thrasher photo I have, taken during the spring a few years ago, is a dead ringer with the photos posted in Merlin.  The bird is larger than a Robin, has striking yellow eyes, a long tail and long beak, and a rich brown (rufous) color on its back, tail, and wings.  There are distinctive black and white bars across the wings and streaking across its light-colored chest.  The bird was sitting on top of the suet feeder in my yard—too large to fit through the grating.  Brown Thrashers live in the southeastern US year-round and live in the Great Plains and upper Midwest and northeastern US during breeding season.

I looked up the Bald Eagle, which I had seen close up in October (a pair of them) while kayaking. I was surprised to see they migrate, and they're less present here in the height of summer. Dark-Eyed Junco. They are most abundant here in winter, which is what the map indicates, although since I'm near the Adirondacks, we actually have them year-round. I didn't realize this about them. I do see them much more as it gets colder. I also researched the Baltimore Oriole, since I had seen one here in late spring. They aren't very common, it would seem, so I feel lucky that I spotted it a few times. I also looked up the Scarlet Tanager. I had once accidentally seen this bird at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens much to the dismay of a group of birdwatchers who were looking for it!  That was in May. I would love to see one again.  It looks like they might travel through upstate New York in late spring and might even be spotted throughout the summer.

Activity 3 - I'm so glad that the American Goldfinch was an example to view here. I've been seeing a bird at my feeder recently that I couldn't identify.  Turns out that it's a goldfinch.  Their feathers are so much more muted in the Fall/Winter.  The brilliant yellow becomes more gray/tan. The loon followed a similar trend where the color on its head is less bold. Activity 4 - At my local waterfowl preserve, Canada Geese are a year-round attraction.  In December, I could also expect to see Mallards, Wood Ducks, and possibly see a loon or even green-winged teal.  Other birds that will be in the trees surrounding the area are American crows, mourning doves, and song sparrows. In June, the geese, mallards, and wood ducks will still be around.  It is a hot spot for chimney swallows and spotted sandpipers, barn swallows, and great blue herons.

Activity #2- Three year-round residents here (northwestern NJ) are the Great Blue Heron, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Cooper's Hawk. I am regularly graced with a Great Blue sighting when I'm out exploring the area. The meeting is usually brief but always breathtaking. The Red-bellied Woodpecker I've been seeing a lot more lately, in the colder months, and I can recognize their call now so sometimes that helps me spot one + less foliage on the trees so it's easier to glimpse that bright red hood! I don't know if I've seen a Cooper's Hawk.. I've been seeing lots of raptors lately but find it so challenging to ID them.   Three part-time birds are the Yellow-rumped Warbler, the Dark-eyed Junco, and the Wood Duck. I did see a Yellow-rumped Warbler, back in Oct so I'm guessing he was just passing through during his migration. The Dark-eyed Juncos I've been seeing a lot of only lately, Nov/Dec. The Wood Ducks I've been seeing here and there since Oct or so. Lately I don't find them as often so I wonder if they've relocated. Merlin tells me that they are year-round residents actually but I've only been seeing them around lately. They are beautiful and their calls make me think of loon calls (one of my favorite birds and sounds!)

Wow!  Had no idea how different the Loon's plumage appeared from summer to winter.  And, is the more dull plumage in the winter for the American Goldfinch due to need for camouflage when there is less foliage or just to save energy during the non-breeding season?

This is for #2 - Anna's Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, and Great Blue Heron are year round residents that I have seen in my area.  In fact, I have seen pretty much all of the year round residents in my area - except the Brown Creeper, Red Crossbill, Peregrine Falcon and a few more.  I have seen less of the species that only live here part of the year - but I have been lucky to spot the Black Turnstone, Brandt, and Barrow's Goldeneye.  Love the diversity 0f birds in the Seattle area!

Wow, the cardinal does not migrate any distance - perhaps elevationally? It also sticks to the South and Eastern US.   That it not apparent from the maps.  The warbler crosses the Gulf of Mexico and makes its way North all the way to Hudson Bay, and probably needs a lot more resources (primarily fuel) than the cardinal, since it does not move around as much. I found it very interesting that the Tanagers both avoid the very middle of the country right down the midwestern states - perhaps they do not find food or refuge here.  The Western Tanger sticks to just that  - the western part of the US and Central America.  But the Scarlet Tanager seems to occupy the longitudes that are farther east, reaching into South America and parts of Central America. The Rufous Hummingbird seems to start at higher latitudes in Central America/Mexico and sticks to the Western coastal areas in North America for the most part as it moves north in the spring/summer, but turn fall, it migrates back down to Central America over the mountains and surounding areas  - the Rockies/Sierrra Nevadas.  Ruby Throated stays more Easterly as it migrates north in the warmer months and never makes it past the midwestern US.  Maybe they have evolutionarily adapted to the Eastern patchwork of vegetation, cities, and  agricultural areas?

1. Northern Cardinal does not appear to really migrate and is in the eastern side of the country year round whereas the blackburnian warbler migrates up and down that same area only hitting the main cardinal range during migrant season. The Scarlet and Western Tanagers pretty much split the country in half only staying on there sides in the US and same in central and South America with a little overlap. The ruby throated hummingbird sticks to the eastern US and Mexico and C.A, while the rufous goes up the very west coast and down over the mountains on the west and stays west in Mexico as well. The Sandhill Crane appears to migrate sort of all over the place but not the east coast and not really past Texas and Florida, whereas the yellow bellied flycatcher is only the eastern part of the US. 2. Three species that are in my area that I see year round are the scrub jay, the song sparrow, which I see constantly, and the Great Blue Heron. It says the Oregon Junco is year round but I really only ever see it in the Winter. Three birds that are seasonal are the cackling goose, the sandhill crane, and the ruby-crowned kinglet all of which I saw this fall, for the first time. 3. Both the American Goldfinch and Common Loon have much more vibrant plumage in the the summer compared to the winter, I hate to say it but their winter plumages are quite drab in comparison and also explains why when a guide pointed out a Loon this winter I was like, meh, I would not have guessed that from the pics on Merlin, makes sense now why all the cool patterns and dark heads weren't there haha. 4. At my favorite local birding place it looks like I should be able to find an orange-crowned warbler, a Nashville warbler, and a Lazuli bunting none of which I have seen before.  

ACTIVITY 4 - There is a birding spot, in Beverly Ma.. that I have found to be reliable. It is by the McDonalds' and Starbucks, on rte. 62. I have routinely seen Snowy Egrets, and Cormorants, as well as Ducks and Seagulls. It is a very reliable spot, and convenient, to photograph birds. They (the birds) seem to like the inlet, connected to the ocean. As well as the fish, and foraging rewards, in the water. I have never, not seen birds there, in the summer months. Also, Egrets, and Herons, are tough to find. But this place, always seems to have a Snowy Egret, and a few ducks. I have a picture of a Snowy Egret, and a Duck, from the shore. On the sidewalk, near the rocky beach. It is a great location for Wading-Birds/Waterfowl/Seabirds. From May, until Winter.            SAMPLE ABOVE.

Activity 3 - The American Goldfinch, has a more colorful summer plumage, when compared to its' winter plumage. There is a crest type marking, on the crown, of the bird. It is an arrow shaped black mark. It also gives the illusion of a crest, but I do not think it sticks out at all. Not like a Titmouse. The belly, rump, and back of the bird, in the summer, has distinct yellow. But in the winter, it has dull yellow, light brown, markings. Also, in the winter, the black arrow shape, recedes.  The winter plumage retains a little pure yellow, under the beak. But not nearly as much as in the summer. I have a photo of an A.G. in the summer of 2020. Massachusetts.   A Common Loon, in the Summer, has checkered diamond patterns, on its' edge of the rump. And on its' shoulder. And on its' wings. Star type speckles, and A dark black head, and darker fine feathers, on its' head. Also, a 'necktie,' mark in its' neck. The Winter Common Loon, is plainer, with a white neck and belly color, and no 'ladder,' markings. Nor patterns. The dark black areas, seem to exchange color, into a dark grey. And there is no distinct, 'necktie.' Just a void in that area. Not as finely outlined.

Activity 1 - I was interested in seeing the most likely time to see birds in Pennsylvania.  Many I noticed simply pass through during migration, but it was cool to see some breed in our area and others that are here in the Mid-Atlantic states all year. I also found it interesting that some birds migrate in different routes, while most seem to fly North and South on the same route.  I noticed one bird that flew up the West coast on it's way north, but came back through the mountains when it returned after breeding. Finally, I liked how you could see cool feats using the animation.  One bird flew up through Mexico, but then seemed to disappear.  Suddenly the migration appeared in the southern US.  You can notice how it flew directly over the Caribbean.

Activity 2 - I would guess, the 3 birds that are permanent residents of the N.East, or at least migrate when, and if they want to. And short distances. Would be the Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, and a Swan. I have seen each of these three, in winter months. And they may migrate, at their whim, shorter distances. Also a Chickadee, or a Junco. I have seen in snowy settings, and in winter months. I wonder, If they travel, a few states south, in a horrid winter. Or if they can stay,in the N.East, even in a deep freeze.   A Red-Winged Blackbird, a Canada Goose, and an Ibis/Heron, or Crane order bird. I would guess, are migratory. I have read that RWB's, migrate at night, as the cold season hits. I have also seen so many Canada Geese fly south, in their arrow formation. That, we can all assume, means that they migrate. And are partial seasonal residents, depending on the region/area. I would assume, that any Ibis/Crane order bird, would migrate to a Southern climate. I do not think a GBH, does better in the cold, than near, or past the south, the MASON DIXON LINE, area. However, some are called, 'SNOWY-EGRETS.' Is that because they can handle the snow, or is it an artistic name, for their white color. I have seen, in the Cornell maps, that Raptors and Terns, migrate through the N.EAST, and past the N.EAST. from North of the USA, and they go down to the south. I think they are decision migrants. Because, they are seen in all areas, in all seasons ? Are there Ospreys in CANADA and GEORGIA, in January, at the same time ? I dunno ?

Activity 4: My favorite birding spot is Plum Island.  I expect to find Snowy Owls, Northern Harrier, Cardinals, American Black Ducks, Pintails, Red-throated Loons, White-winged & Black Scoters, and Buffleheads. But six months from now, will be May of 2021 and the Warbler migration will just be beginning so we'll see Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, Eastern Towhees, House Finches and Goldfinches !

Activity 3 - When I go to the Macaulay Library and study the plumage difference of the Male American Goldfinches in summer and winter, it is apparent that the Summer Male has striking Gold-Yellow coloring !  When I study the Winter plumage, legs, bill and wings are the same, but instead of the striking Yellow- Gold colors, this bird is more tawny and blends in with the back better ! _____________________________________________________________________________ When I go to the Macaulay Library and study the plumage difference of the Male Common Loon in summer and winter, it is apparent that the Summer Male has a strikingly, contrast black and white plumgae with a horizontal, black colored necklace across its throat.  When I study the Winter plumage, the colors are a much more subdued gray and sometimes brownish color that contrasts the white belly, and the horizontal necklace band has disappeared all together !

Using Merlin’s “Likely Birds” feature I choose three species that live here year-round in the Northeast.  As I live close to the coast, Mallards, Ring-billed Gulls and Common Eider are residents for is that we see each day we head out to Plum Island !  Bufflehead, Snow Bunting and Horned Grebe are here now (November) but we only get to enjoy them for part of the year. I like that Merlin shows so quickly the birds that we are likely to see, as well as showing when they will most likely arrive and depart.  I use Merlin every day that I bird and it is so informative and easy to use !

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher has an interesting migration pattern !  From observing the Range Map, this species spends over 7.5 months of the year Wintering in Central America.  All at once this species quickly migrates North, but flying West of the Gulf of Mexico- up through the Mid-western States - across to the Northeast and Central regions of Canada.  It appears that they complete this Northward migration in less than 2 weeks !  They then appear to spend about 2 months at the breeding grounds in Canada, before they start a fast Southern migration by returning to Central America !  They spend the most months of the year in Central America ... make a swift North and Northeast migration into Canada ... quickly get their successful breeding done ... and rapidly descend across the USA back into Central America.  It is not quite clear from the Range Map, but I believe many of these Y-B Flycatchers return to Central America by flying West of the Gulf of Mexico, while others make the non-stop cross Gulf of Mexico flight from Louisanna !  This is an amazing migration !

The Sandhill Crane has a very interesting and different migration pattern from other birds.  This Crane Winters in three areas, Texas, Florida and South of the Great Lakes of the USA.  After observing the Range Map, each of these 3 groups appear to migrate differently  The group that Winters in Texas migrates North through the Mid-Western US States, into Canada and some head West to Alaska while others appear to go all the way to the Artic for the breeding season !  The second group Winters South of the Great Lakes and appears to split their group up, with some migrating in a Northwesterly direction while the other half of the group appears to migrate in a Northeasterly direction into Canada.  This second group migrates a great distance, but much less than Group 1.  Then we have the 3rd Group that Winters in Florida.  Some, but much less than half of this group, migrate North to the Great Lakes and meet up with Group 2 to head to the Canada breeding grounds.  When Group 2 migrates back South, the members of Group 3 travel with them, but it appears that they return all the way to Florida, while the original Group 2 members stop when they reach the area just South of the Great Lakes !  I wonder why some of this species (Group 2) prefer to Winter in the cold weather just South of the Great Lakes while the other two Groups (1 & 3) migrate all the way South to the warm temperatures of Texas and Florida / and why does Group 1 travel so far North to Alaska and perhaps the Artic to breed, when it is apparent that many of Group 3 never leave Florida - so they breed there ?

The Rufous Hummingbird Winters for 5 to 6 months in Central America.  It makes a Western migration up into the USA along the California Coast all the way up into Canada.  It does not spend a great deal of time in the breeding grounds, before it migrates swiftly South and they fly West of the Rockies and all the way back to Central America.  Most of this species makes the entire migration from South to North back to South !

The Ruby-throated Humminbird Winters in Central America and Florida for 5 months of the year.  They make a fast moving Northward migration across the Gulf of Mexico and land in the Southern USA.  From there, they spread out as far as the East Coast and rapidly move all the way to Canada and they spend 4 months breeding, and Summering in the North.  From there they make rapid reverse migration along the same routes all the way back to Central America.   _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Rufous

The Scarlet Tanager Winters in South America for several of the Winter months of the year.  They then rapidly head North West into Central America, where they they fly across the Gulf of Mexico and land in the Southern USA, East of Texas.  They then continue to speed Northward towards Northern USA and Canada where they Summer (breeding) for a three months.  Then by September 1 they reverse their migration routes and close the distance back to Central America and then down into South America very quickly.  I wonder why they travel so far and why they are traveling so fast to reach the two final destinations of the Northern breeding grounds and the Southern Wintering grounds ? Why fly so far and take so much risk ?  Food ?  Temperature ?  What's the hurry ? The Western Tanager Winters for 5 months of the year in Western Central America.  It begins its very quick migration right after April 1st by   flying along the West Coast of Central America, along the California Coast and West of the Rocky Mountains and up into Canada to breed.  They spend only a few weeks in Northwestern USA and Canada (breeding) and then return swiftly to Central America by reversing their route.  It appears from the migration map that many of the Western Tanager only migrate 1/3 of the way, breeding (in New Mexico) and then returning to Central America.  How come many of these Tanagers fly all the way to Canada while others fly a much shorter distance, maybe not even North of Central America or just over the border in the USA ?  I think that the Western Tanager must be an efficient breeding species as it spends only a few weeks breeding !  Wow  !

Activity # 1 - I observed that the Northern Cardinal has a much bigger migration range, East of the Mississippi. Filling the coast of the USA, north and south. The Blackburnian Warbler stays in South America for most of the early part of the year, and then they have remarkably fast migrations through the USA, as they quickly head North into Canada.  The Blackburnian doesnt even hang around long during the mating season, as they then quickly fly through the USA and reside in South America again for the Winter !

ACTIVITY 1 - the Northern Cardinal is ranged more, East of the Mississippi. Filling the coast of the USA, north and south. I have heard that the 'pyrrhuloxia,' a relative of the Cardinal, is West of the Mississippi. The Blackburnian Warbler is ranged, in its' general, yearly abundance, further north, and further south. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Scarlet Tanager, has Northern population, and southern population. As related to the USA and Central America, and Northern-South America. The Western Tanager, is west of the Mississippi, as noted in its' name. And is a different form of Tanager. The Scarlet T., is red with black wings. The Western T., has yellowish colors, and more markings. Not as solid in coloring. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is an East of the Mississippi-bird, in general population. The Rufous Hummingbird is west and south of the Mississippi. I would assume less population in northern areas, due to the need of flowers to feed from.  Are Hummingbirds migrating more south than other birds ? Sooner ? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The SandHill Crane, has a scattered population, in its' year round sum of population. The Yellow Bellied FlyCatcher is scattered NE/and South-USA. With some gaps in the USA SE. PICTURE IS A 'MALE NORTHERN CARDINAL.' NE/USA/MASSACHUSETTS

The Summer Tanager is a common migrant in Costa Rica from mid-Sept to late April. I saw this molting bird  on 21 March 2020 near my home and the local Birdwatching group help me with ID. The Baltimore Oriole is another migrant from early Sep. to early May and I saw him on 08 November 2020. I found both on my field guide, too.

The Rufous Collared Sparrow and the Great-tailed Grackle are year-round residents in Costa Rica.