Bird Activity

Peak of migration for Flycatchers, Thrushes, and Northerly Vireos (first half of month)
Peak of Warbler migration (early in month)
Look for Willow Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeaks, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Bunting in early May
Nighthawks and Chimney Swifts return
Orioles return and begin nesting – get your feeders, nectar, fruit and jelly out early
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, late to arrive, first to leave with some individuals spending less than a month on their breeding territory.
Peak of bird courtship – listen for the incredible early morning chorus 
Nesting materials being collected 
Chickadees and Titmice become scarce at feeders as they nest and raise young
Bluebirds: first brood fledges, second nesting attempt begins
Mealworms – great for growing young birds

Other Wildlife

Watch for Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly (through June)
Praying Mantis hatch late spring maturing in late summer.
Mosquitoes can begin to be a problem
Raccoons give birth to young - April-May
Beaver kits born 
White-tail deer fawn are being born.  Doe remains nearby but only feeds her fawns once or twice a day.
Striped Skunk litters of 4-7 kits born mid-May.  Skunk musk oil is used as a perfume base because of its clinging quality.
Snapping Turtles emerge onto land to lay eggs

Plants and Flowers

 
Rhododendron, Sourwood, Tulip Poplar, Irises, Daylily, Flame Azalea, Poke, Queen Anne's Lace, Loosestrife, Galax,
Mayapples, Chicory, and Primrose in bloom.
Poison Ivy blooms - watch out!