Chirps and Cheeps

I headed out to Amherst SP today to look for winter finches.  I was disappointed in that department but happy to stumble upon a White-eyed Vireo, one of my favorite vagrants.  While still considered rare, this species can almost be depended on annually, especially in recent years.  Its northern boundary is not too far south of us in Pennsylvania - and so for it to wander a little further up north into Western New York is not unreasonable in spring or fall migration.

The striking vireo's yellow coloring along its sides and on its face was what quickly stood out to me as it foraged in a thicket of bushes and berries.  Everything has gotten so gray already here in WNY - so seeing a flash of color is like candy to the eyes!  The vireo kept very busy and never paid me any attention.  I love when that happens!  Look at those yellow spectacles and white eyes - what a beauty!

A little later, in response to a text that a friend had seen White-winged Crossbills at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, I joined up with another friend, Chris H, to look for those finches.  We didn't have any luck but I was happy that Chris' sharp ears picked out the odd sound of a Northern Shrike.  The young shrike was making such strange sounds that we had a hard time placing what it might be.  Finally, after we got a visual and photo, the shrike flew over and perched much closer to us to our great delight.  We took photos and made recordings of its odd calls.

So... no winter finches but yet another great day out in the field!  That's what I love most about birding - the surprises!