Warbler migration in full swing
May 13, 2007 · Print This Article
Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, Maine was a flurry of activity this morning with many species of Warblers and plenty of birders to see them.
A cloudy start led to crystal blue skies and moderate temperatures. Warbler activity began in earnest around 7:30 a.m. as a large snapping turtle surfaced in the large pond for a breath of air. A lone Double-Crested Cormorant sunbathed on a small rocky islet. The musical chorus of hundreds of birds echoed throughout the woods. Fellow birders looked through their binoculars at fleeting glimpses of their quarry, then referenced their bird guides for a clue as to what they saw.
I stationed myself at the upper end of the pond and was rewarded with an American Redstart. I heard other birders mention a Magnolia Warbler and knew I had to see this bird as it is a life list species for me. No longer had I begun to seek the Magnolia, I heard talk of a Canada Warbler! Another life lister. “There he is!” I heard someone exclaim. Here, there, everywhere…. what a job trying to keep up and photographing these fidgety birds. Many thanks go out to fellow birders who helped locate these gems.
It was a great morning with the following species tallied at Evergreen Cemetery and Capisic Park:
- Magnolia Warbler*
- Canada Warbler*
- Black-Throated Green Warbler
- Black-Throated Blue Warbler
- Hooded Warbler
- Yellow Warbler
- Yellow-Rumped Warbler
- Palm Warbler
- Wilson’s Warbler
- Blackburnian Warbler
- Common Yellowthroat
- Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
- Golden Crowned Kinglet
- American Redstart
- Warbling Vireo
- Blue headed Vireo
- Orchard Oriole
- Baltimore Oriole
- Fox Sparrow
- Song Sparrow
- White Crowned Sparrow
- White Throated Sparrow
- Red-Winged Blackbird
- Spotted Sandpiper*
- Double-Crested Cormorant
- Mallard
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Blue Jay
- Northern Cardinal
* indicates life list species
Although not all the species mentioned were photographed, I am not about to give up. Next weekend, if the weather is cooperative, I will try once again to capture images of the species who just would not cooperate today. It will not be long until the spring migration of Warblers will be past and I will have to wait until fall for another chance.
The following are photos of birds taken today at Evergreen Cemetery and Capisic Park. Comments and criticisms are always welcomed and appreciated!
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Happy birding!
Technorati Tags: Portland, Maine, Warblers, birders, birds, bird, birding
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John;
We enjoy your blog very much. We love the new look! You have, by far, the most beautiful pictures of Maine birds on the net.
Thank you for your patience in photographing these birds and showing those like us what it is like to be “up close and personal” with God’s beautiful creatures.
Keep up the great work!
Paul and Deborah Reed
John, What a day!!! Super captures! Thanks for the location info, I will give a go in the AM.
Bob Malbon
PS: Yes to the new look!
Paul and Deborah;
Thank you so much for your kind comments, they are appreciated more than you may realize.
What started as a test to see if anyone would even be interested in such a blog, has turned out to be immensly popular. Not only here in Maine, but worldwide. I had a record month in April with over 88,000 hits!
Thank you for stopping by and hope you return to read about our many more adventures to come.
John Briggs
Bob;
It was a spectacular day! I will go again this weekend to try to get the ones I missed.
Hoping for blue skies.
John
These are wonderful photos. That Yellow Warbler is stunning. However, I must point out that the sandpiper is a Solitary and not a Spotted.
Rusty Scalf