I keep a log of when different bird species first arrive to our southern NY area every year.  Species arrivals have been very predictable, normally within the same 7 days each year over the past 10 years I have been keeping records.

Upcoming arrivals the first week of March include: grackles, redwing blackbirds, fox sparrows, brown headed cowbirds, song sparrows and Canadian geese.

The first grackle arrived today, 2 weeks early.  It will be interesting to see if the other early arrival species are earlier this year as well.