Warbler 1

Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia

Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica

Tip-toe through the something somethings

‘Quiet Place’ in NDG, May 12, 2024

  Quiet Place lived up to its secret code name today. Super quiet on the bird front – I was expecting a thin strain of warblers and/or further mid-May migrants. Not complaining, it's always nice to get out of the house. I ended up with 20 species in 90 minutes, with nothing in abundance except for Chipping Sparrows and European Starlings. Three new patch species were listed (Chimney Swift, Blue Jay, House Finch), bringing the running total to 58.

  Still a pair of Eastern Phoebes staking out a suitable under-eave nesting spot, but no nest was seen. A pair was doing the same thing in this spot last year, but they never seemed to nest. I noticed an American Crow observing the pair closely today, maybe that’s the issue. "Too many crows, never enough phoebes" could be a new proverb or something. I'd say that in a sombre voice and people would nod and grunt in approval, then stare into their drinks, a single tear burning down their cheeks.

  The blank warbler sheet was avoided at the very last minute, with a lone Magnolia Warbler spotted 20 feet before I left. The flank streaking on this bird was quite a bit finer than I’m used to.

  Oh, I had my first NDG Chimney Swifts on May 6th this year.