Tennessee Warbler continues

[Gord]

Well, Im not sure they continue but there was one and Im sure a second today at Island 22. Also a Nashville Warbler.

When I get a chance will give a better report and some more crummy photos. Just in case someone gets time this afternoon to get out there. Most of the action was at the far west end of the dyke.

[ryjay]

I hope they continue till saturday, ive been trying for a Tennessee Warbler for a long time, would love to get to 320 by the end of fall, heres hoping!

[Gord]

Ryan, will keep you posted! 320 is a good milestone!

here's a little better report on what I saw at midday today.

I had walked the dyke and it was fairly quiet. I came across a small mixed flock of chickadees, Bushtits, one Red-eyed Vireo, Pacific-slope Flycatcher and a couple of Wilson's Warblers. I caught a glimpse of something a little different (would turn out to be the Nashville) and while walking along to catch up with it, I heard a sharp "shtic" call of a bird right in front of me. It then flew across the dyke and I could see it was similar to an Orange-crowned but it's appearance and call note were not such. The facial markings were surprisingly clear even without binoculars and at 10 feet. I followed it along but turned back when a second one flew past right behind it. This one had more yellow on its breast and flanks than the first. I was not able to look more closely at this one but got very nice views of the first bird. The greenish colouring on the back is really nice! I managed only one terrible shot.



Soon after I was able to confirm the Nashville Warbler who was much more agreeable for the camera.

Here, he caught a big caterpillar or something and was clearly pleased with his find.



Then he came up to stare at me before heading off.



A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was not at all camera shy.



*edit*
Forgot to add that there was a lone Cliff Swallow among a big flock of Barn Swallows feeding over the river.

Also just realized that I could have had some fun with the Nashville and Tennessee Warblers seeing as though they have the same state in common! ;D
*edit*


Yesterday, I ran into Len and Diane Jellicoe at the front of the park. We heard what sounded like a Mountain Chickadee doing it's raspy and slower Chick-a-Dee-Dee. We waited for a confirmation but they had to go. Typical of a Mountain not to call as frequently as a Black-cap. I waited out longer and it called again leaving no doubt (unless it was a lone Black-capped who had gotten into some fermented blackberries! ;D )

The last time I had Mountain Chickadees in the valley was several years ago in the middle of town when three came to my feeders for about a week. What a surprise!

Nice to have ran into you two! I want to try and make that harness for my tripod too, Len.

[ryjay]

I was at the 72nd St Turf Farm yesterday Looking for the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, no luck, did get my first Pacific Golden Plover of the year. I also walked along the Brush that follows 72nd St, it can be a really good place for birds, a few years back there was an Ash-throated Flycatcher, and ive also got my first Long Eared and Saw Whet Owls there. Saw a bird for a flash second that looked like a Tennessee Warbler, but couldnt confirm, I didnt see its undertail coverts, and there's alot of Orange Crowned Warblers around now that have Gray heads, I think theyr juveniles. So I had a moment of excitement, but still no Tennessee. Hopefully on saturday.

[Gord]

Well done on the golden plovers.

I like that hedgerow too; lots of birds always there. I think the grey Orange-crowns are the most northern population. Ive been seeing a few too. Happily, their undertail coverts are quite distinct.

Good luck tomorrow! It's windy and cloudy here so it might make for some good birding tomorrow before it clears up later in the day.