Chirps and Cheeps

Some great reports were still coming in about Warbler sightings at Forest Lawn Cemetery over the last few days. My work load has been super heavy but I just couldn't pass up the rare gorgeous day Saturday turned out to be - plus I can't get enough of warblers! So, rationalizing my guilt, I zipped in my car with my Google map directions in hand and set out to discover what I might find at Forest Lawn. I made a few wrong turns on Delaware, not realizing the entrance actually WAS just where I thought it should be! Then, it was a challenge finding the "large pond  with the statue" as I wove in and out of the maze of paved ways.

The first treat I found was a couple of Baltimore Orioles in the beautifully blossomed cherry trees. They didn't seem too concerned with me and allowed me and my camera to get quite close.

I did find a few warblers: a couple of Nashvilles, 1 Tennessee, and a Yellow Warbler, but either my timing (I went mid-morning) or my inexperience prevented me from finding any others.

I heard a very interesting bird call and later discovered the vocalist was a Great Crested Flycatcher. Actually, it was a very nice couple, Sue and Big Denny, who identified him for me from a shot I had on my camera. I also learned from the duo that I would have better luck birding earlier in the morning or more towards late afternoon. They also pointed out a path that they've found a Hooded Warbler along too. I did traverse the path, in spite of the great deal of mud, and sighted a Yellow Warbler.  I didn't find too much more of interest down in there except for a few Gray Catbirds, a Northern Cardinal, and a Baltimore Oriole.

On the whole, it was a great day to be out and I DID get to see a few warblers. What a pretty and peaceful area the cemetery is too.  I had no idea such a lovely setting existed right in the city of Buffalo.