Warblers & More

Since my Saturday post, I have had two more days in a row with good birding - at Herricks Cove on Sunday, and along the Connecticut River and elsewhere today. Just a sampling of photos ....

Magnolia Warblers have challenged me by refusing to pose nicely. Still looking for the cooperative Magnolia; this one was semi-cooperative ...

Magnolia Warbler

 The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was just reported late last week. This one at Herrick's Cove on Sunday appeared to be carrying nesting material, so it is wasting no time in getting down to business.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

 Sunday at Herrick's Cove, I ticked my first Vermont Orchard Oriole, an uncommon Vermont species. It was eating apple blossoms throughout the morning. When I attempted photos, it gave only gave rare glimpses at the top of the apple tree, and often against almost consistently bad lighting. Eventually ....

Orchard Oriole

 Black-and-white Warbler this morning ...

Black-and-White Warbler (female)

For me, Saturday and Sunday was a banner day  for seeing Wilson's Warbler, but rarely did the bird emerge for a photograph. This morning along the Connecticut River, this one allowed a brief pose in the dark thicket ...

Wilson's Warbler

 For several years I have been pursuing the Louisiana Waterthrush without success. I might see it, or hear it, but it did not allow any photos. Today I was on a road which followed a swift moving stream. With car windows down, I drove slowly and heard it singing. It was secretive and wary, but the hormones betrayed its presence as it sung from many mid-level perches ....

Louisiana Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

Good Birding !!