Did She Leave?

Since my post on Thursday, November 18, on the Townsend's Warbler in Walpole, NH, there have been no reports. Did she succumb to the cold night? Did a predator pick her out of the weeds and reeds? Or did she take off with the sparrows and finches and head south? I would prefer to believe the last - that she continued her migration - after entertaining local birders with her flycatching and her skulking through the reeds. But the fact is, no one knows. An accidental bird appears, and disappears, an isolated incident with no introduction and no conclusion.

What we do know is that several centuries ago, colonists from England survived difficult conditions during their first winter, enjoyed a good harvest and friendly relations with the native inhabitants during the following months, and celebrated their good fortune with a feast. Continuing the tradition begun long ago, we are joining our family for the feast and celebrating our good fortune. We hope you also have that good fortune. Happy Thanksgiving!!

What Will She Do?

The Townsend's Warbler in Walpole, NH, has attracted birders from around New England. Today there were people from VT, NH, and MA ticking the bird on one of their lists. Occasionally she flitted above the weeds in flycatching mode. Other times she worked her way along the ground searching for insects. Kaufman's Lives ... tells me she eats mostly insects, sometimes seeds, during the winter in the tropics some berries and nectar. There are plenty of berries on the bittersweet twined in the apple trees, but soon there will be much competition with other birds for that source.

But ... predictions for the coming nights call for temperatures in the 20s, and New England winter could descend at any moment. What will she do? ... when the insects are gone and the land is gripped by snow and ice?

Good birding! ... may not always be good for the birds.

Townsend's Warbler

The Townsend's Warbler found by Ken Klapper in Walpole, NH, is still present. It appears to be a first winter female. She should be near the Pacific Coast of NA, or in Mexico/CA, not in the Connecticut River Valley. During the chilly and windy morning, appearance was erratic, but those who have watched the bird the last few days expect her activity to pick up as the temperature warms and insects fly. The presence of a rarity like this is good for local birders, but probably not so good for the bird who, if it manages to survive the New England winter or go south with the Fox Sparrows, still faces long odds for ever getting where a mate might be. Patience finally yielded a few passable photos.