Chirps and Cheeps

After my excursion to Tifft the other day, I came home to fine a gorgeous, male Hooded Warbler in our maple tree.  I happened to have my camera with me and was able to grab a couple of quick shots before he flitted away.  Unfortunately, they didn't turn out great - and they left me hungering for MORE!  How to get these little guys to come to me???  They're not seed eaters, so what can I offer them?

I had an inspiration: water!  It's been such a hot summer, why not provide a little sprinkler action and make-shift pool?  I DO have a bird bath, but I think it's too close to the house for the comfort of many.  So, the next day, I set about my plan and got the hose and sprinkler set up, a big pan lid, and some stones to make my little bird "pool".  I also set up my photo dome close by and sat down to watch what would happen.

Wow - I think the birds thought this was the next best thing to WBU Bird Food!  I hadn't sat for more than 10 minutes when the first warbler showed up: a young Wilson's Warbler (a lifer!). Soon to follow was a Black-throated Green Warbler, and then another life-list addition, a Philadelphia Vireo!  What fun!  It was so much fun, I did it again the next day!

My Labor Day additions were: a female American Redstart, immature Chestnut-sided Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, and a young Magnolia Warbler.

I particularly enjoyed a few other bathers: a Blue Jay, a male Northern Flicker, and an American Robin. Gosh what fun for the birds and for me - I wish I thought of this back in June or July!