Chirps and Cheeps

Tifft was a little quieter today than of late. Only 5 species of warblers and 2 vireos were found. There were still many, many Yellow Warblers, which was no surprise.

We were encouraged by finding 2 flycatchers, though: a Willow Flycatcher (lifer for me!) and a FOY Eastern Wood-Pewee.  I believe I will recognize the Willow Flycatcher's voice from now on.  We heard its "fitz-bew" throughout the preserve numerous times, so there must be several around now - maybe a little "flycatcher fallout" occurred over the weekend!

The only warblers we saw/heard, other than the 14+ Yellows, were: Magnolia (4), American Redstart (3), Common Yellowthroat (1), and Tennessee (1).  We also saw Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos.

Four Cedar Waxwings and 2 Green Heron fly-bys were nice treats and out on the marsh, we could hear the Least Bittern again.  Doug found a Ring-necked Duck on Lisa Pond, which is rather late in the season for it to be here. As a matter of fact, eBird wanted validation of the sighting.

We saw lots of evidence of "family-time";  Wrens, Flickers, Downy Woodpeckers, and Robins were all busy at their nest sites - and a Mallard and her little ducklings were very cute.  What took the prize, though, was almost stumbling upon a very, very new little fawn. He was really precious!

Back home, I saw a Hooded Warbler and his bride in our woods. I'm hoping they nest here again like they did last year.  And finally, we have a female Baltimore Oriole coming to our feeders. Prior to today, we've only been seeing a male.

Photos are few and poor today - sorry!  :(