This Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) was a great surprise to see and photograph today after it was found at Stratford Point by my colleague Patrick Comins, Audubon Connecticut’s Director of Bird Conservation. They are an uncommon warbler even in some of the more common parts of their range, and a tough one to find in the Northeast thus far this fall. We were at the office this Saturday morning and afternoon for a staff and volunteer work party to plant more trees, grasses, and shrubs for birds, but the Orange-crowned seemed at home in the mugwort and existing grasslands, feeding along with Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Foraging was definitely the only thing on this bird’s brain as it likely was very hungry after a long journey last night. It will continue on to the southern U.S., Mexico, or Central America, and I wish my new friend a safe journey.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
