Current Topic: Flycatchers

Remembering My Trip to Costa Rica

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Every North American birder should try to make it to the tropics at least once in their lifetime, if finances allow it. The beautiful array of birds would be worth every penny. I took my first trip in December 2011 and stayed through New Years and the first week of January 2012. I visited four different locations: the Osa Peninsula, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano and San Gerardo de Dota. Even though the trip was not based on birding, I racked up 130 life birds.

The trip was suppose to be during the beginning of the dry season, however, it rained for much of the trip. This led to mostly mediocre photos – many of which I never showed anyone else since they are not up to par with my normal work. Despite this, I wanted to share the beautiful birds that I saw, even with sub-par photos. I will also mix in some of the nicer photos – though, they were few and far between!

I’m not entirely sure where to begin, so I will jump in with some of my target birds. The bird names and locations are under each photo.

Resplendent Quetzal

Resplendent Quetzal, San Gerardo de Dota

Blue-crowned Motmot

Blue-crowned Motmot, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Keel-billed Toucan

Keel-billed Toucan, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet Macaw, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Note that I also wrote a post about the Quetzal early last year where you can see more photos. This was on bird that I had great photo ops with! I plan on doing the same for the Motmot.

As expected in the tropics, I saw many species of Tanagers, most of them were very colorful.

Rufous-winged Tanager

Rufous-winged Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge feeders, La Fortuna

Bay-headed Tanager

Bay-headed Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Golden-hooded Tanager

Golden-hooded Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Flame-colored Tanager

Flame-colored Tanager, San Gerardo de Dota

White-throated Shrike-Tanager

White-throated Shrike-Tanager, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Cherries Tanager & Variable Seedeater

Cherries Tanager with a Variable Seedeater, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager

Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager, Trogon Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota

Blue-gray Tanager

Blue-gray Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Palm Tanager

Palm Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

These birds are also classified as Tanagers, but do not have it in their name. They are still equally as beautiful!

Green Honeycreeper

Green Honeycreeper, Arenal Observatory Lodge feeders, La Fortuna

Bananaquit

Bananaquit, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Yellow-faced Grassquits

Yellow-faced Grassquits, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Buff-throated Saltator

Buff-throated Saltator, Arenal Observatory Lodge feeders, La Fortuna

I also saw some species of warblers that I do not get in the northeastern US.

Rufous-capped Warbler

Rufous-capped Warbler, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Buff-rumped Warbler

Buff-rumped Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Slate-throated Redstart

Slate-throated Redstart, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Collared Redstart

Collared Redstart, San Gerardo de Dota

Tropical Parula

Tropical Parula, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Some of the birds were cool surprises.

White-throated Magpie-Jay

I nearly jumped out of the car for the White-throated Magpie-Jays, Arenal Volcano

Common Potoo

Common Potoo hiding in the brush, Sierpe River

White-whiskered Puffbird

White-whiskered Puffbird, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Slaty Flowerpiercer

Slaty Flowerpiercer, San Gerardo de Dota

Black-throated Trogon

Black-throated Trogon, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

One of my favorite birds had a great mating display.

Montezuma Oropendola

Montezuma Oropendola, Arenal Observatory Lodge feeders, La Fortuna

I saw a nice variety of different Flycatchers throughout my trip.

Great Kiskadee

Great Kiskadee, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Tropical Kingbird

Tropical Kingbird in the rain, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Social Flycatcher

Social Flycatcher, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Yellowish Flycatcher

Yellowish Flycatcher, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Black-capped Flycatcher

Black-capped Flycatcher, San Gerardo de Dota

Flycatcher

Possible Mountain Elaenia (still being identified), San Gerardo de Dota

Common Tody-Flycatcher

Common Tody-Flycatcher, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Black Phoebe

Black Phoebe, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Some of the finches were pretty unique…

Large-footed Finch

Large-footed Finch, San Gerardo de Dota

Thick-billed Seed Finch

Thick-billed Seed Finch, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Especially, the colorful ones in the Euphonia family.

Yellow-throated Euphonia

Yellow-throated Euphonia, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Tawny-capped Euphonia

Tawny-capped Euphonia, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Elegant Euphonias

Elegant Euphonias are hidden in this photo, Monteverde Cloud Forest

I did see some nice woodpeckers, including a couple I did not get to photograph like the Pale-billed and Lineated Woodpeckers.

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker, San Gerardo de Dota

Red-crowned Woodpecker

Red-crowned Woodpecker, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Black-cheeked Woodpecker

Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

I also saw some birds from the Thrush family.

Clay-colored Thrush

Clay-colored Thrush, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Sooty Robin

Sooty Robin, San Gerardo de Dota

Black-billed Nightengale-Thrush

Black-billed Nightengale-Thrush, San Gerardo de Dota

Black-headed Nightengale-Thrush

Black-headed Nightengale-Thrush, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Of course, I did see some parakeets too!

Orange-fronted Parakeets

Orange-fronted Parakeets, between San Juan and Monteverde

Orange-chinned Parakeet

Orange-chinned Parakeet, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

I did not see many raptors, but I was able to photograph some. Unfortunately, my Owl photos are not even good enough to show on this post and my lifer Crested Caracara is too terrible.

Common Black-Hawk

Common Black-Hawk, Cano Island

Yellow-headed Caracara

Yellow-headed Caracara, Sierpe River

Here are a few birds that I found by the water:

Magnificent Frigatebird

Magnificent Frigatebird, off of the Osa Peninsula

Sandwich Tern

Sandwich Tern, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron

Bare-throated Tiger-Heron perched over a waterfall, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Like their North American relatives, some birds were very vocal.

Great-tailed Grackle

Great-tailed Grackle, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Brown Jay

Brown Jay, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Some of the larger birds just chilled and let me get a nice look.

Crested Guan

Crested Guan, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Black Guan

Black Guan, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Gray-headed Chachalaque

Gray-headed Chachalaque, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

But many of the smaller ones were hard to catch!

Band-backed Wren

Band-backed Wren, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Rufous-collared Sparrow

Rufous-collared Sparrow, San Gerardo de Dota

White-eared Ground Sparrow

White-eared Ground Sparrow, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Black-cowled Oriole

Black-cowled Oriole, Arenal Observatory Lodge property, La Fortuna

Black-hooded Antshrike

Black-hooded Antshrike, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

Ruddy Ground-Dove

Ruddy Ground-Dove, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula

As you can see, this post is lacking Hummingbird photos. I will put up a post specifically about them at another time since I saw so many! For now, and to close this post, I will leave you with a photo of my target hummingbird…

Violet Sabrewing

Violet Sabrewing, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Birding in the Pacific Northwest – Part 2

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Continued from Birding in the Pacific Northwest – Part 1

The next morning, we met with Dave at 4:30AM. We were happy that he arrived just at the moment that we did because it was still dark out and the only people out on the streets were hungover or high! We saw some…interesting people that morning. We had a long drive ahead of us – Dave wanted to bring us to the mountains up in Washington. We did not make many stops on the way – until Dave spotted a pair of California Quail on the side of the road. He stopped the car, backed up and let us get good looks and photos. Both Renee and I already started the day with a lifer!

California Quail

Male California Quail on the roadside.

Further up the road, he spotted a Western Kingbird on a fence. Once again, he stopped the car, backed up and allowed us to photograph this cooperative bird. Another car-stopping lifer!

My lifer Western Kingbird on a wire.

My lifer Western Kingbird on a wire.

The next stop we made was in an area that was clear cut with plenty of growth.

Clearcut

There were nice field birds in this clearcut area.

Here, we got our best looks at a male Western Tanager and found a family of Western Bluebirds. We caught one of the Bluebirds getting a meal ready for his young – he smacked the caterpillar around until it was more edible.

Western Tanager

Our best looks at a male Western Tanager.

Western Bluebird

This Western Bluebird smacked and smashed the caterpillar before moving on.

After that, we headed into Trout lake through my favorite type of scenery – forest! The woodlands were very different from what I am used to in the east. Tall, beautiful firs and some pines filled the landscape.

Going up the mountain

Going up the mountain

Trout Lake

My favorite scenery!

We stopped in several spots to find some forest birds. New life birds included Hammond’s Flycatchers and Cassin’s Vireo. We also got our first looks at the Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Audubon's Warbler

Audubon’s Yellow-rumed Warbler

After spending some time in the live part of the forest, We continued up the mountain in search of more specialties.

Mt. Adams

Looking up at Mt. Adams

The landscape changed drastically as we entered the area that burned in 2012 on the southeast skirt of Mount Adams.

Cascade Creek Burn

Cascade Creek Burn

Within the blackened trees, were some survivors and new growth. The view was striking, dreary and beautiful.

Cascade Creek Burn

Some live and burnt trees

We got out of the car and hiked by foot to find the birds that have eluded us thus far. Dave knew of a nesting cavity for an American Three-toed family, so we scoped it out. We immediately heard the nestlings calling from the hole but no adults were in sight. One stuck his head out and continued to call to its parents. We hung back and watched for about twenty minutes; no adults showed up. They must have been trying to lure the young out of the cavity.

American Three-toed Woodpecker

American Three-toed Woodpecker nestling calling out

We searched for some of our other target birds and ended up dipping on Gray Jays and Clark’s Nutcrackers. We did finally see an adult American Three-toed Woodpecker as well as our first Black-backed Woodpecker and some Hairy Woodpeckers.

Rozi

Rozi enjoying the hike

As we headed back down the mountain, we continued our search for more new birds. We got great looks at more mountain birds – the Mountain Bluebird and Chickadee.

Western Tanager and Mountain Bluebird

Western Tanager and Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Chickadee

Mountain Chickadee life bird

Dave also found us a bird that I missed when a vagrant visited New York last year – a Townsend’s Solitaire. Lighting was terrible for photos, but we did get very good looks at this bird!

Townsend's Solitaire

Townsend’s Solitaire lifer

Further down the mountain, we ran into some friends who were at the previous day’s barbeque. They were also having a slow day but gave us directions to a Williamson’s Sapsucker’s nest that was right off the road. It was an easy find and Mom came to the nest almost as soon as we got there. Dad followed.

Williamson's Sapsucker

Williamson’s Sapsucker female

Williamson's Sapsucker

Williamson’s Sapsucker male

While we were watching these birds, another Black-backed Woodpecker allowed us to get some nice looks. The nesting tree was also shared with a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches who busily made their way in and out of their cavity.

We finally left the mountain and made our way back to Oregon. On the way, we stopped for a local specialty – huckleberry smoothies – this time, at a more appropriate hour. We made our way through Conboy National Wildlife Refuge where we found more Western Kingbirds and our first Western Meadowlarks.

Western Kingbird

Another cooperative Western Kingbird

Our next stop was at a cemetery in search of Cassin’s Finches. We did find a male and female along with a Western Wood-Pewee, Gray Flycatcher, Western Bluebirds, Red-shafted Northern Flickers, a Red-breasted Sapsucker and my favorite surprise – Pygmy Nuthatches!

Pygmy Nuthatch

An unexpected Pygmy Nuthatch

Western Wood-Peewee

Western Wood-Pewee

Back on the road, the scenery continued to “wow” us along the Columbia River.

Driving along the Columbia River

Driving along the Columbia River

We made several stops in search of various birds but they were tough to find as the afternoon got hotter. Dave mentioned that we should keep an eye on hawks because there was a chance at finding a Swainson’s Hawk. I figured it would have been a long shot, however, not long after he said it I found out a hawk hovering near the road. Dave stopped the car and we got our first really great looks at a Swainson’s Hawk hunting the fields – we actually saw one!!

We eventually made it back into Oregon where Dave brought us to a spot that was known to have White-throated Swifts. There were tons of Swallows to pick through but Dave finally directed my eyes to a swift. The sun was behind the birds so all I could see was its silhouette. Eventually, I found another on my own, but still could not make out any real detail. We wanted to listen for Wrens, but the sound of cars filled the air. We made several more stops along the highway for the Wrens. We finally found two Rock Wrens – a juvenile showed itself and shortly after, an adult came out.

Rock Wren

Rock Wren on a rock

The next target bird was the Lewis’s Woodpecker. We found one perched a bit far, but in the open. We also found some unexpected Grasshopper Sparrows – not a life bird, but still always a nice bird to see. Dave knew of a spot that we could get a better look at a Lewis’s Woodpecker and he did not disappoint. The beautiful bird showed off for us!

Lewis's Woodpecker

Lewis’s Woodpecker

We made a last attempt for Canyon Wrens but ended up finding more Rock Wrens and a Black-billed Magpie. This was my US-lifer Magpie, even though it was silhouetted against the sun.

Our next target birds, the Tricolored Blackbirds, were exactly where Dave said they would be (of course!). When we stopped the car, several females popped up – it did not take long for some males to fly in. We got some nice looks and they took off. Along the way, we also saw more field bird specialties – Western Meadowlarks and Kingbirds, Mountain Bluebirds and Horned Larks.

Tricolored Blackbirds

Tricolored Blackbirds

Our very last stop before finally heading out for dinner was at a residential hummingbird feeder which was known to get a nice variety of local hummers. The only ones that showed up were Rufouses – we got excellent looks at a beautiful male. We still had a long way to get home so we did not stay long. It was getting dark and we were tired and hungry. We stopped at the Rendezvous Grill for more good food and finally remembered to take a photo of the three of us inside the restaurant.

The birding trio - Renee, Dave and me

The birding trio – Renee, Dave and me

During this trip, I ended up with 54 life birds plus 3 US-lifers. We saw, in total, over 120 species of birds in the middle of summer. It was an excellent trip and Dave is a great guide who I will continue to keep in touch with and hopefully see again soon (Rio Grande Valley maybe?). I can’t even find the words to let him know how much we appreciated him taking us out on two days of non-stop birding. Also, thanks to Bob’s Red Mill and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for making this trip possible!

Mountain Bluebird

Mountain Bluebird on a haystack

Spring 2014 Yard Bird Explosion

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If I were to describe this year’s spring migration in one word, it would be “outstanding.” Especially in my very own yard. Within a couple of months, my yard bird list went from below forty to over eighty – EIGHTY – species of birds (84 to be exact, and 80 total in 2014 so far). All of these birds were either seen or heard from my house – not from acres of land, but from either one of my decks on my [less than] .4 acres of property. This far exceeded my expectations – especially after leaving such a great hotspot in New York. As of today, I have 15 species of birds on my PA yard list that I did not have on my NY yard list and I am a little over 20 species away in matching my NY list, which had a final count of 106 over three years.

This spring marked the return of breeding birds that grace many people’s backyards such as Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and our tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The Hummingbirds continue to visit daily.

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole chattering at me from my deck

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

One of my female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

These were expected yard birds; the unexpected birds came in waves – very large waves. And they kept on coming. The best part is that there were no leaves on the trees, so I could actually SEE the birds. Many of them even came close enough to my deck for photo ops.

One of my most common migrant visitors were Black-throated Green Warblers. I had them singing for a few weeks before they completely moved on.

Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Green Warblers were very common during migration

Yellow-rumped Warblers were my other most common migrant. I could see them at any time of the day foraging high and low, near and far. They were everywhere!

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler at eye level

My best Warbler surprises were Blackburnian males and tons of Northern Parulas. I even had a surprise Canada Warbler singing from further in the woods.

Blackburnian Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler, right after he perched about 5 feet away from me (no, I did not get a photo of THAT)

Other Warblers included American Redstarts, Ovenbirds, Bay-breasted, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Nashville, Palm, and Pine Warblers.

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Male Black-throated Blue Warbler, after leaves came in

During this migration madness, I had an addition built onto my house – a large deck that comes off of my renovated porch (now sunroom). I was able to enjoy the birds at eye level from this deck and my (already existing) balcony.

Scarlet Tanager

Scarlet Tanager at eye level from my deck

In fact, some days, I did not need the extra elevation because the birds seemed to prefer to feed down low. I had at least four male Scarlet Tanagers feeding on the ground at once, along with a few females. This is a bird that is usually seen high up in the tree tops. What a treat!

One of at least four Scarlet Tanager foraging on the ground

One of at least four male Scarlet Tanagers foraging on the ground

Now that migration has slowed down, I have other breeders who sing every day. This includes the very first bird that I heard in my yard before I actually owned it last June – the Eastern Wood-Pewee.

Eastern Wood-Pewee

The Eastern Wood-Pewee was technically my first yard bird

Another bird that I hear throughout the day is also a flycatcher who sing early with the Robins and are calling as late as 9PM! Great Crested Flycatchers are fun to watch. I often see the local pair hawking insects together.

Great Crested Flycatcher

I love hearing Great Crested Flycatchers calling all day

Red-eyed Vireo and Wood Thrushes continue to serenade me with their songs, just as they did in New York. I love hearing both of them!

Red-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo at eye level from my deck

Some other notable migrants that I’ve had are Indigo Buntings, Willow Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, both Kinglets, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes (I finally heard the Swainson’s sing!), Blue-headed and Yellow-throated Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Common Ravens, Osprey and Broad-winged Hawks. Oh! And how can I forget my most recent yard bird, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, who I heard calling multiple mornings!

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

This Yellow-billed Cuckoo was not my yard bird, but I wanted to show it anyway!

Migration was awesome this year. I hope that this sets the tone for what my yard will be like every spring. In New York, I only had a good fall migrations – it was nice getting the spring colors and songs. Too bad peak migration only lasts about a month – I already miss waking up to the songs of Blackburnians, Parulas, Black-throated Greens…

Northern Parula

This Northern Parula serenaded me with his beautiful song

The Biggest Week – Good Times with Great Friends!

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Last Sunday, two of my friends and I drove west to Ohio for the Biggest Week in American Birding. This was my third year going to the festival and it just keeps getting better! We tortured ourselves during the drive by following the tweets coming in from guides about the great birds they were seeing. In the prior years, we went to Magee Marsh on arrival, but a certain tweet changed our minds.

We ended up heading to Metzger Marsh instead and were instantly greeted by three White-faced Ibises foraging out in the open. This was a life bird for all three of us and the scope views were amazing. What a way to begin our tip!

White-faced Ibis life birds to start our festivities!

White-faced Ibis life birds to start our festivities!

After exploring Metzger for a bit, we headed to Magee so that we could stretch our legs some more on the boardwalk. I don’t think we got past the loop at 7a because the birds were too good to pass up. My friend, Jon, was racking up life birds like crazy – not only that, but they were great views. I had a Prothonotary Warbler within an arm’s reach; he was so close that I had trouble focusing on him at times. He even landed on the bench that I was sitting on with no mind to me or the other birders going crazy around him.

This Prothonotary Warbler was too busy eating to care about his paparazzi

This Prothonotary Warbler was too busy eating to care about his paparazzi

It was hard to leave, but we had to pick up a few groceries, check into our hotel and eventually eat dinner (at 10PM…). I also really wanted to get my hands on Athena, Leica’s Wandering Ultravids, so that I could be one of many people honored to see birds through a pair of binoculars who is on a big year.

I will get more into what Athena is, my experience with “her” and that day’s trip in a future post. One highlight from that day that I will mention now is the extremely rare bird that we chased after lunch.

These Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were way out of range.

Five of eight Black-bellied Whistling Ducks who were way out of range.

These eight Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (plus two more) showed up the same day we did, but we chose to see the Ibises on our way in instead. Thankfully, they hung around and were re-found the next day in an excellent spot. You did not need a scope to appreciate the beauty of these birds! I saw one of these in Costa Rica a few years ago, but this was a much better look and my US-lifer.

The next day, we started at the Magee Marsh boardwalk and the good birds just kept on coming with more excellent views of them. Every time we tried to go somewhere else, something good kept us from leaving. We walked the boardwalk from the west end to the east end and back again.

Bay-breasted Warblers were everywhere!

Bay-breasted Warblers were everywhere in all plumages!

Chestnut-sided Warbler posing beautifully

Chestnut-sided Warbler posing beautifully

I always get good views of the Cape May Warblers at Magee

I always get good views of the Cape May Warblers at Magee

I got some of my best looks at some birds that I’ve only seen briefly, very high in trees or hidden behind brush and vines.

A very cooperative Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

A very cooperative Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

This Mourning Warbler was constantly foraging near the west entrance

This Mourning Warbler was constantly foraging near the west entrance

My best looks at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo

My best looks at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo

On our way to chase another bird, we passed by a group of people who were looking at what turned out to be a life bird for me – an Olive-sided Flycatcher. What a treat!

Other birders were looking at this Olive-sided Flycatcher that we happened to walk by

Other birders were looking at this Olive-sided Flycatcher that we happened to walk by

Just as we were about to leave the boardwalk to chase a Black-necked Stilt, a tweet came in that turned us right around.

A Henslow’s Sparrow in the middle of the woods? Another life bird for the three of us? We’ll take it!

A Henslow's Sparrow way out of place in the woods

A Henslow’s Sparrow way out of place in the woods

We finally left the boardwalk after 2PM and looked for the Black-necked Stilt that was reported on the Magee causeway. Other birders said that it flew off, so that is one bird that we did not have luck with. You can’t get them all, but you can certainly try to.

After visiting friends on our way out and being convinced to get some ice cream, we ended up driving through the Ottawa NWR Auto Tour – birds and ice cream? Score!! The water was high, so there was not much to see aside from some waterfowl and this very cooperative Dunlin who was right off the road.

Dunlin on the wildlife auto tour

This Dunlin in breeding plumage made the tour worth it!

The following morning, we were invited to join our friends from Leica on the east beach to see if the night’s storms blew in a Kirtland’s Warbler. We did not get the bird, however, the experience was something to be remembered. We birded with the authors of The Warbler Guide and were also joined by actress, and birder, Lili Taylor (click her name for a great article by her in the New York Times). It’s a different experience getting ID tips from guys who really know the field marks on these birds. Thanks to them, I have mastered the Blackpoll Warbler’s song – one that I get mixed up with other high pitched Warbler calls.

We went back to the boardwalk where we photographed birds from the famous boardwalk tower and wandered around in search of other cooperative subjects. Rain started to threaten the skies so we decided to hop into the car and chase another tweet to get my friends a new life bird.

We arrived at Pearson Metropark and parked the car to eat our lunch. We strategically parked next to the marsh where we saw a Sora two days prior. The bird was seen within seconds, but it scooted back into the reeds. We kept an eye out as we ate our sandwiches and the bird came back out for a great showing. The three of us were able to take amazing photos of this elusive bird!

A Sora out in the open

A Sora out in the open

The rain let up and we got out to look for the reported Phalarope. The bird was almost at the feet of the people who were already looking at it. I got down low on the wet rocks and waited for the bird to come near me.

Red-necked Phalarope foraging very close to the path

Red-necked Phalarope foraging very close to the path

This. Bird. Was. Close.

See the Red-necked Phalarope in the frame with me?

See the Red-necked Phalarope in the frame with me?

That evening, like every other night, we joined up with the event’s socials to meet new people and see everyone who we’ve stayed in touch with over the years. This year, I really wanted to take a photo with Kim and Kenn Kaufman because I always forget to get photos with people. As busy as they were, they stepped aside and posed with me.

Honored to take a photo with the Kim and Kenn Kaufmann

Honored to take a photo with Kim and Kenn Kaufman

I also took a photo with another birding celebrity (though, he is so modest about it) – Greg Miller, you know, the guy who Jack Black plays on The Big Year (in the movie, his name is Brad). I have to say, Jack’s fun personality fits Greg perfectly.

Me with Gregg Miller

Me with Gregg Miller

On our last day, we woke up to heavy rain and decided to go to the boardwalk anyway. We were not surprised to see a decent amount of people wearing raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof optics enjoying the birds.

A little (ok.. a lot of) rain does not stop the birders!

A little (ok.. a lot of) rain does not stop the birders!

All-in-all, it was another great trip. We got together with friends who we only see once a year, made some new ones along the way and saw some awesome birds. I’m already looking forward to next year!

One of the new entrances at Magee Marsh

One of the new entrances at Magee Marsh

Tweets from The Biggest Week

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If you are going to the Biggest Week, then I cannot stress enough how important it is to follow @BiggestWeek on Twitter and, if you can, get the tweets sent to your phone while you are at the festival. The tweets had me and my friend, Renee, chasing birds all over the place – with a high percentage of success. There are a number of good birders who have access to post tweets, so the area is pretty much covered.


Note: this post has embedded tweets, please be patient with the loading time.


Thanks to the tweets, our first afternoon at Magee started off with great views of a bird we only barely saw last year.

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Gray-cheeked Thrush at the beginning of >Estuary Trail

Not sure where Estuary Trail is? Do not be shy to ask someone. Birding guides are all over the boardwalk; your fellow birders are also friendly and will be happy to help!


After a long day of birding outside of Magee, we came back to another good find. Once we got to the location, the crowd of people directed us where we needed to look.

This American Bittern hunted out in the open for two evenings in a row

American Bittern along the Magee causeway

I would have never thought I would see a Bittern out in the open like this! He was busy fishing while many birders got great looks.


One of my favorite tweet stories happened on our third day. Renee and I just began the Ottawa wildlife drive and this tweet came in. She saw the tweet first didn’t know what to say about it. I picked up the phone and knew why.

We drove through the rest of the wildlife drive without looking for more birds and made our way to Magee. As we were walking to #13 on the boardwalk, birders assured us that the Owl was still there – and it was.

Long-eared Owl seen by many off the boardwalk

Long-eared Owl at Magee Marsh!


We did have some unsuccessful attempts at chasing tweets – you can’t get them all!

I can’t tell you how many times Renee and I chased the Black-billed Cuckoo in hopes of both of us getting a life bird. Unfortunately, this is one that we did not see. They did not show themselves for long, but the chase was fun. In the process, we did get to see one of the American Woodcocks off the boardwalk.

American Woodcock right next to the boardwalk

American Woodcock found while looking for Cuckoos

Another tweet came through that had us abandon the Cuckoo search that morning…

This one was a success! Thank you, Greg – you helped us both get a great life bird!

Golden-winged Warbler at the loop.

Golden-winged Warbler at the loop

The loop turned out to be pretty popular for good Warblers. At one point, there were so many birds that people were using Warblers to direct birders to another Warbler.

My lifer Canada Warbler off of the "loop"

My lifer Canada Warbler off of the “loop”


Tweets will also be sent for birds that roost during the day. Someone usually has a scope on these birds.

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Eastern Whip-poor-will on the side trail

If it’s a really good bird who is staying in place, the tweeting will continue.

This Clay-colored Sparrow was a life bird!

Clay-colored Sparrow at the entrance of the Estuary trail

And hey, while we’re at the Estuary trail….

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher on Estuary Trail

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher on Estuary Trail

Another lifer!


I hope this post convinced you – getting live tweets sent to your phone can really help you stay connected! You will also stay up to date on the latest event happenings.

And you may just get a really great bird out of it…

That happened after the festival was over, but three Kirtland Warblers showed up and were tweeted about on the previous year during the festival, so you never know!

 

Countdown to the Biggest Week

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Registration for the Biggest Week has been open for over a week now and a record number of people are already signed up. Trips and talks are selling out but there are still plenty more left. If you are planning on going, sign up today – registration is easy! Just go to the Biggest Week website and sign up online.

Baltimore Oriole near the Magee boardwalk

Baltimore Oriole near the Magee boardwalk

Whoa! Back up for a second – did I just say that a lot of people have signed up already? Doesn’t that mean that it will be crowded? Maybe. More so on the Magee boardwalk than anywhere else – but keep in mind – more people means more eyes. More eyes means that no bird goes unnoticed. See that Black-billed Cuckoo over there? No? The person next to you did and I bet they will announce it and help you find it. You will be surrounded by birders. Surrounded by people who are enjoying themselves and who all have a common interest.

It can get crowded on the boardwalk, but remember that you all have the same motive!

It can get crowded on the boardwalk, but remember that you all have the same motive!

I am not a person who likes crowds. I try to avoid them. This crowd, however, I like. If it weren’t for them, I would have missed this bird that was basically out in the open – if you knew where to look.

Eastern Screen-Owl over the boardwalk

Eastern Screen-Owl over the boardwalk

If you find that it is too crowded on the boardwalk, you can always venture out to other areas around it without having to get in your car. Magee has plenty of trails along Lake Erie and the surrounding marsh.

Palm Warbler at Magee, but not on the boardwalk

Palm Warbler at Magee, but not on the boardwalk

Many great birds showed up specifically in these spots.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher at Magee, not on the boardwalk

This Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was on a trail near the lake

There are also other great places in the area that are very birdy – Maumee Bay, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Metgzar Marsh, Pearson Metropark, Oak Openings… I birded all of these last year! You can go on your own or sign up for guided field trips.

Summer Tanager at Oak Openings

Chances of seeing a Summer Tanager at Oak Openings are much higher than at Magee

At the end of a long day of birding, there is still plenty to do. Keynote speakers are giving talks every night at Maumee and Ottawa. Socials, which are included with your registration, offer free refreshments and music, book signings, raffles and even a bird tattoo contest. Meet new friends or even some well known birders who may be lurking around.

Barn Swallows at the visitor center

Barn Swallows at the visitor center

New this year is a CafePress shop full of awesome gear featuring the Biggest Week logo. All proceeds will go right back into the Black Swamp Bird Observatory research and education. Interested? Head on to the brand new CafePress store – there is plenty to choose from!

Check out the Biggest Week CafePress store!

Check out the Biggest Week CafePress store!

You can also opt to donate $10 during registration to the Save the Golden-Wing Project to offset your travel carbon footprint—and support creation of a habitat corridor in Nicaragua for overwintering Golden-winged Warblers. Speaking of Golden-winged Warblers… if you haven’t seen one, this may be your chance!

One of a few Golden-winged Warblers I saw at Magee

One of a few Golden-winged Warblers I saw at Magee

The Biggest week is not just about birding. You will meet many people and can make new friends. I’ve met so many great people during this festival who I still keep in touch with. I am looking forward to seeing them and finding birds together in May!

First Fall 2013 Migrant Wave

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I went out to my creek today and saw into a lot of activity on the opposite side of the water. The lighting was poor and the birds were very distant to really see. The creek was too high to cross on foot, so I drove over to the field on the other side. I did not even have to leave the parking area to see tons of birds moving through the brush on either side of me.

Migrants were all over these trees and brush

Migrants were all over these trees and brush

Some of the residents would move over to this side to forage

Some of the residents would move over to this side to forage

The trees were full of Warblers, Vireos, Flycatchers, Sparrows and Buntings. I managed to get some photos of the birds for documentation and ID purposes. It’s a good thing I did because what I thought was a Magnolia Warbler in the field was actually a Canada Warbler!

Black-and-White Warbler

Black-and-White Warbler

Canada Warbler

Canada Warbler

Prairie Warbler

Prairie Warbler

American Redstart

American Redstart

Least Flycatcher

Least Flycatcher (still confirming ID)

This young Indigo Bunting was begging at the Flycatcher

This young Indigo Bunting was begging at a [different] Flycatcher

It started to quiet down so I got back into my car to leave. As I was making my way out, I saw a larger bird with a long tail fly into the tree – not a Dove, not a Blue Jay. Perhaps a Cuckoo? I stopped the car again and hopped back out.

Black-billed Cuckoo

Black-billed Cuckoo

I was right! It was a young Black-billed Cuckoo! It was a life bird for me the other week – this time I got killer views of it.

Black-billed Cuckoo

Black-billed Cuckoo

It’s only the beginning of September – I can’t wait to see what else shows up locally!

Birding in Italy

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Last Summer, I went to Italy to visit family. I have been there before, but not as a birder. I used Birding Pal to find a local birder who may be able to take me around. Thankfully, I found a very kind birder and also met a couple other local friends of his. Since it was the middle of summer, we went looking for water birds. He took me around Castel Volturno, Riserva Oasi Dei Varicon and other areas to the north of Naples.

The first birds we saw were all Sandpipers – Common, Wood, Green – all of which look very similar to me! The most exciting early sighting was a Grey Heron. I was very happy to see the Eurasian counterpart to the American bird that I love so much!

Grey Heron with Eurasian Coots and Black-headed Gulls

Grey Heron with Eurasian Coots and Black-headed Gulls

The next location was full of Black-winged Stilts, Yellow-legged Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls, Little Egret and Moorhens. I also caught glimpses of a Eurasian Oystercatcher, Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern. I did manage some [bad] photos of some of the birds.

Black-winged Stilts

Black-winged Stilts

Eurasian Oystercatcher with Mediterranean Gulls

Eurasian Oystercatcher with Mediterranean Gulls and Black-winged Stilt up front

Yellow-legged Gulls with Black-winged Stilts

Yellow-legged Gulls with Black-winged Stilts

Common Moorhens

Common Moorhens

We stopped at a beautiful spot, Riserva Oasi Dei Varicon, which brought us many more great waterbirds. Here, we saw Redshank and Greenshank, Kentish Plover, Little-ringed Plover, Little Stint, Shelducks, Garganey, Ferruginous Duck, Little Grebe and Sandwich Terns.

Sandwich Terns

Sandwich Terns

Shelduck

Shelduck

Redshank and Greenshank

Redshank and Greenshank

While driving around, I got better looks at some of the birds and saw many others that I did not get photos of suck as a Eurasian Kestrel, Crested Lark, Turtle Doves, Magpies and Night-heron. Some that I did get photos of are below.

Little Egret

Little Egret

Squacco Heron

Squacco Heron

Cattle Egret with Cattle

Cattle Egret with Cattle

Zitting Cisticola

Zitting Cisticola

We were staying in Sant Agata were I saw mostly common birds like the Italian Sparrow, Blackbirds, Eurasian Collared Dove and Hooded Crows.

Italian Sparrow

Italian Sparrow

Eurasian Collared Dove

Eurasian Collared Dove

We took a tour to Pompeii and the Vesuvius and saw some other common birds such as swifts, Hooded Crows, Jackdaws and Magpies. The bird I was hoping to see, the Hoopoe, was no where to be seen even though they are known to breed in Pompeii.

Hooded Crow

Hooded Crow

Jackdaws

Jackdaws

Common Swift

Common Swift

Alpine Swift

Alpine Swift

And on our way back home from that tour, we saw a beautiful Serin above the streets.

Serin (wild Canary)

Serin (wild Canary)

Other birds were spotted around family’s property including Spotted Flycatchers and, one that I was very happy to see, the European Robin.

Spotted Flycatcher family

Spotted Flycatcher family

European Robin

European Robin

We took a trip to Trieste to see cousins and were surprised with some good birds in the gardens. Even though these are common birds, I was very happy to see them! They were very attracted to the plum trees which made it easy for me to see them.

Eurasian Jay

Eurasian Jay with a plum

Eurasian Jay

Eurasian Jay

Blue Tit

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Great Tit

Blackbird Fledgling

Blackbird Fledgling

We also saw many colorful Chaffinches while out in the area.

Chaffinch

Chaffinch

We made a last minute stop to Isola della Cona, South of Malfalcone. This reserve gave me the best surprise of the entire trip – a bird who was on my must see list that I did not think I would see – the European Bee-eater!

European Bee-eaters

European Bee-eaters

The reserve itself was full of Camarague horses and Cattle Egrets who would hang out nearby.

Camarague Horse with Cattle Egret, Lapwing, Wagtail and Duck

Camarague Horse with Cattle Egret, Lapwing, Wagtail and Duck

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret

Other great birds at this location included Northern Lapwings and White Wagtails. I never did have to go chasing any of the Lapwings who showed up on the east coast of the US since I already saw them here!

Northern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing

White Wagtail

White Wagtail

The reserve was also full of many birds I already saw, plus some new waterfowl.

Black-winged Stilt

Black-winged Stilt

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler

Mixed Ducks

Mixed Ducks

Graylag Geese

Graylag Geese

Common Snipe

Common Snipe

Black-headed Gull in winter plumage

Black-headed Gull in winter plumage

Common Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper

The sun was strong and heat made for poor far-away photos, but I am happy that I at least got these memory photos. The last good bird here was another common one that I was happy to see – the European Goldfinch.

European Goldfinches

European Goldfinches

Overall, I saw over 50 life birds, and even though I didn’t get to see a Hoopoe as I had wished, I really enjoyed the birds I did see!

Ready, Set, Bird! At the Biggest Week!

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Last Thursday, registration opened for the Biggest Week in American Birding. Hundreds of birders have already signed up to enjoy a 10-day week of some of the best Warbler birding in the country! It’s not just about the Warblers though…

What can you expect from going to the Biggest Week?

Eagles Soaring

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles soaring near their nest

Phoebes flycatching.

Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Phoebe

Warblers preening.

Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler preening

Shorebirds chilling.

Solitary Sandpiper & Lesser Yellowlegs

Solitary Sandpiper & Lesser Yellowlegs

Bobolinks singing.

Bobolink

Bobolink

Teals in love.

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal couple

Robins nesting.

American Robin

American Robin in a nest

Goose families.

Canada Goose family

Canada Goose family

Swallows taking a break.

Tree Swallow

Tree Swallow perched at eye level from a platform

Tree-top birds down low.

Blue-headed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo at eye level

Must-see birds up close.

Cape May Warbler

Cape May Warbler

And don’t forget about the Owls, Woodcocks and Nighthawks that I posted about last week!

I hope to see you there!

My Local Creek and Favorite Patch

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One of the things that I instantly fell in love with when I saw my neighborhood for the first time was the creek that runs along the road. It was in the summer, so the water flowed very peacefully. Little did I know that I would eventually become a birder and the creek would become my favorite birding patch.

Some of the regular visitors to the creek are very chatty Kingfishers.

Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher

And Green Herons, who I typically see flying away before I even spot them. Sometimes, they stay put.

Green Heron

Green Heron in breeding plumage

Green Heron

Green Heron, digiscoped with my Nikon EDG and Canon 7D

Great Blue Herons have been spotted a few times, even though the fish are pretty small.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

I often get waterfowl, mainly Canada Geese, Mallards and Common Mergansers.

Common Mergansers

Male and Female Common Mergansers

Common Mergansers

Two female Common Mergansers

… who also brought their families along.

Common Merganser Family

Common Merganser Family

Canada Goose Family

Canada Goose Family

I have some one-time visitors that are worth mentioning such as Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers.

Sandpipers

Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers

As well as one lone Double-crested Cormorant.

Double-crested Cormorant

Double-crested Cormorant

Some other nice surprises included a Veery, a very vocal Towhee and Great Crested Flycatchers.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

I also often get Warblers, mostly during migration. However, the Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats sing throughout the summer.

The best life bird I had at the creek was such a huge surprise. Before I was a birder, I adored the beauty of Cedar Waxwings. You can imagine how excited I was when I found them hawking insects at my creek. Now I get to see them all the time!

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing

They would perch on the rocks and on the fallen branches that were scattered throughout. They always seemed to return to the same perches making photos pretty easy.

Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings

At one point, a bit of flooding washed away the branches, so I replaced one in their favorite spot. Not a minute later, I had a taker.

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing

This past summer I found a Louisiana Waterthrush fledgling.

Louisiana Waterthrush Fledgling

Louisiana Waterthrush Fledgling

And then Mom showed up, gathering some grub. These birds were very reliable for about two weeks and very easy to spot as they pumped their butts up and down while foraging for food.

Louisiana Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

The creek gave me my first close up with Turkey Vultures, a bird who is normally seen soaring the skies. They didn’t mind my presence as long as they had their food. They were munching on the bones of a raccoon that is hidden behind a rock. The smell was awful, but the photos were well worth it!

Turkey Vultures

Turkey Vultures

And of course, it is a creek, so birds will find shallow places to bathe…

Bathing Grackles

Bathing Grackles

Bathing Birds

Bathing Robin and Catbird

… and sun bathe!

Sun Bathing Birds

Sun Bathing Kingfisher and Catbird

It’s not just the birds that I enjoy here – there are also mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects!

This summer, a pair of Beavers were spotted, but did not stick around. They had many small trees that they chomped down, but perhaps the creek was too much for them to dam up.

Beavers Pair

Beavers Pair

I often see deer crossing the water.

White-tailed Deer

White-tailed Deer

White-tailed Deer

Deer Couple

Along with many frogs and snakes that I find if I look close enough in the water.

Snake in the Creek

Snake in the Creek

Frogs

Frogs in the water

The frogs also find their way on the rocks by the dozen. I have to really watch my step sometimes because they are everywhere.

And, of course, the outdoor and feral cats that rule the neighborhood have to cross over at some point.

Cat at the Creek

Domestic Cat

All of this is seen within a quarter mile walk along (and through) the water. I really love this creek. Even on days that there are no birds or other animals, there is always something to enjoy.

Autumn at the Creek

Autumn at the Creek