This time each year the Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks come back from their winter vacation down south. I can set my calendar by them.

The male usually arrives during the second week of May. This year he arrived a tad early. I’m not complaining, mind you; I look forward to that first flash of black, white, and red in my peripheral vision and his sweet call as he sings for his mate.

The male typically arrives ahead of the female but she came in right on his tail feathers.

Ahhhh, spring is here. The only members of the usual gang that are missing are the Baltimore Orioles. I can be patient, though, because I have a new bird who wants to join the crew.

Yup, the Pileated Woodpecker has taken a liking to my yard. It must be all the cool insects I have living around my property. And the snags (the bodies of the dead trees I kept after the tops were removed.)

Okay, back to my Pileated Woodpecker. Gorgeous bird.

And huge. Pileated Woodpeckers have a wing span of 30 freaking inches. They’re the biggest forest birds of the North American continent.

You might ask how I know this guy is a male. It’s the red stripe along the side of his face. Females have a black stripe.

Sooooooooo cool.

Okay, now for a game. Find the Great-Blue Heron in this photograph.

Can you spot him, or her, hiding behind the branch? At least it’s trying to hide; it needed a bigger branch.

There he, or she, is. Herons aren’t known for their hide-and-seek skills.

Wow, this has been one heck of a great start to May; I can’t wait to see what other blessings the month has in store for me.

Oh, and happy birthday to my son. Twenty-eight. Wow!

But wait, how did he get older while I remained young and vibrant? Something to ponder.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.