season opens May 1st here so a buddy and I went for a walk in the woods last week and same thing! Ticks and insects are gonig to be a huge problem this year. Last May same thing happend to me as well. Called in 4 birds, they hung up 65 yards away and never had any luck. Only thing I had luck with was bringing home a family of ticks! Attaching to me and my dog and breeding in my house and laying eggs in the carpets. it was horrible!!! had to get an exterminator to bomb and fume my whole house. Sad thing is I used a whole can of permethrin almost with the anticipation of the bugs being unbearable due to the light winters. Good luck with everything and congrats on your bird!