Wilson’s Warbler
I was thrilled to come across this Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) when I made a quick birding stop this afternoon on what I knew was already a stellar day for migrant birds. Though I did not have much time to be outside surveying during the work day this bird was literally spotted from my Jeep, and on top of that it cooperated for these photos while it was foraging. This is a species that RTPI President Twan Leenders does not believe exists. Huh? When I started working for Twan several years ago he had not yet seen a Wilson’s Warbler. It was one of those species…you...
Read MoreCanada Warbler
It was a strong morning for migration in my neighborhood with oak trees holding Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and my first of year Blackpoll Warbler among good numbers of the regulars. For the most part birds were high and far in the tops of the trees, but this Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) was a little more cooperative highlight. For a bird I am happy to see one or two of each spring…I will take it! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMagnolia Warbler
This Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) was another bird from the Noble Proctor Memorial BioBlitz Challenge this past Saturday at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Connecticut. Willards Island was still a warbler machine late in the morning and we were cranking out the birds. Some, like this individual, would briefly drift into point blank range…even with an excited, raucous crowd around us. All of the birds were as happy as our birding friends with all sorts of plentiful insects in the air and on the trees at this vital migratory site…and we were recording all of those...
Read MoreChestnut-sided Warbler
The Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) is one of the most unique of our warblers in terms of appearance, though this bird is not quite showing all of that chestnut, black or bold yellow yet. It is likely a first spring male that was still coming into his plumage in early May. He was very friendly and cooperative for both photos and prolonged binocular views, allowing a group of birders to enjoy him posing while foraging without the use of any pishing or song playbacks. In my experience the best tactic for spring migratory birding is often just to move slowly, be quiet and...
Read MoreOvenbird
Oh, you Ovenbirds…I have been trying to get a decent, clear, on a branch or in the open photo of an Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) for the last two weeks with very little success. The best opportunity I had was a cold, foggy morning with heavy rain falling when multiple birds were walking only several feet in front of me, but that did not end well. These shots were taken a few days ago with a bird skulking about the brush under shrubs and trees along a trail. Good luck to you all with your birding this weekend. RTPI President Twan Leenders, Conservation Technician Elyse Henshaw, Intern...
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