Chirps and Cheeps

A walk through Tifft Nature Preserve this morning brought a couple more warblers than what I've been seeing of late. I saw my first Bay-breasted Warbler, rather high in a tree, but still well enough to enjoy his distinct chestnut coloring on his cap, throat, and sides - and the nice contrasting black face and wings. He was a beautiful, beautiful bird in his finest breeding plumage! I believe a second came briefly into view just before the two took off.

Shortly before that, we saw a Cape May Warbler just after he had finished his bath. He was busily preening himself and didn't seem to mind the zealous photo session I began. That was the closest I've been to a Cape May before and, had it not been for picking up two lifers, it would have totally made my day!

The other life bird I saw was a Lincoln Sparrow.  The photos didn't turn out as crisp as I would have liked, but well enough for identification and memory purposes.  He had popped out onto a low branch of a bush and was a wonderful treat for me.

Other birds of interest included a male Scarlet Tanager, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, only 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, a male and female Black-throated Blue Warbler, many Yellow Warblers, a Warbling Vireo, a Red-eyed Vireo, and a pair of Hooded Warblers.