Bird Activity

Spring migration brings American Redstart, Ovenbird, Indigo Bunting, Baltimore and Orchard Oriole, Red-eyed Vireo early in the month, with Yellow Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak arriving later
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds reach NC, TN 
Carolina Wren nesting season begins
Indigo Bunting arrive: captive birds used in experiments proved that these migrants orient by using stars during migration
White-throated sparrows begin calling, wintering sparrows begin to head north
Whip-poor-wills and Chuck-will's Widow arrive in the first half of the month
Mature male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks arrive first about three days before the females. First year males usually arrive last.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker – nesting begins(incubation 10-11 days) – fledging at 26-29 days
Canada Geese nesting and first young hatch
Nesting peaks for most wading birds

Other Wildlife

Look for Red Admiral and Black Swallowtail butterflies to arrive (through May)
Breeding from April through August, the resonating trill of the Gray Treefrog can be heard at night in spring and early summer
American toads calling, salamanders breeding
Garter snakes emerge from hibernation
Dragonflies emerge
Raccoons give birth to young beginning April through May
Flying Squirrels and Woodchuck give birth
Deer begin to grow antlers

Flowers and Plants

Spring colors abound: Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, Dogwood, Mimosa, Violet, Daffodils, Tulips
Wildflowers in peak bloom: Trillium, Ladyslippers, Indian Paintbrush, Bleeding Heart
Start looking for Mayapples at the end of the month