Warbler at my Feet!

Year 2

Today will go down as one of the most fantastic days of birding / photography in my life. Although yesterday’s NE wind off Lake Superior was a thing of the past, replaced by a SW wind, the warblers were even more numerous than yesterday. I had “warblers at my feet”! (and in my face, and everywhere else).

Taking into account the weather, one just needed to think like a bird! Thus, I headed down to the Western Waterfront Trail in Duluth. The wind was very strong, and blowing across St. Louis Bay. I suspected warblers would be blown to my side of the river, and then would work their way along the banks till they found a calm spot with food. After walking about a mile, I found a thicket that had an early season bug hatch in progress. Both me and the birds thought this was an excellent spot! Later in the day I found a second spot protected from the wind where a bug hatch was in progress amongst last year’s old water reeds.

Here is a video of “warblers at my feet”, followed by photographs all taken today along the Western Waterfront Trail.

Black and White Warbler
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Canada Warbler
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American Redstart (male and female)
Y2-M05-18-American-Redstart-Male-4 Y2-M05-18-American-Redstart-Male-3 Y2-M05-18-American-Redstart-Male-2 Y2-M05-18-American-Redstart-Female-2

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Magnolia Warbler
Y2-M05-18-Magnolia-Warbler-2 Y2-M05-18-Magnolia-Warbler-1

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Yellow-Rumped Warbler
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Chestnut-Sided Warbler
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Yellow Warbler
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Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher
Y2-M05-18-Alder-Flycatcher-1 Y2-M05-18-Alder-Flycatcher-2

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Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (female)
Y2-M05-18-Rose-Breasted-Grosbeak-Female

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Least Flycatcher
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Warblers Gone Wild! (year 2, month 5)

Year 2,

For the past two days, strong northeast winds off Lake Superior have stopped the northern warbler migration. If one has been willing to brave the ugly weather (40F, 20+ mph winds, and drizzle), hundreds of warblers may be seen at the end of Park Point and on the Western Waterfront Trail in Duluth. These birds are smart, and do NOT want to fly against such strong winds.

The two locations noted channel birds into high density concentrations as the birds definitely do NOT want to fly out over Lake Superior in these conditions. Thus, the birds hold in location, or work their way along the shoreline. Although Park Point may have had more warblers, I prefer the Western Waterfront Trail. It allows better opportunities for photographs. The trail works its way along the St. Louis River, and one may often look down, or level with small trees which sometimes makes bird photography easier.

Wilson’s Warbler
Y2-M05-Wilsons-Warbler-2

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American Redstart
Y2-M05-American-Redstart-1

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Common Yellowthroat
Y2-M05-Yellow-Throat-2 Y2-M05-Yellow-Throat-3

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A Great Blue Heron surveys the warbler scene!
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An Afternoon in the Fog: Swan Attack! (Year 2, Month 5)

Year 2,

Last winter’s cold, cold nights means the Lake Superior water temperature even in mid May is still very cold (i.e. in the high 30’s). Unfortunately the direct result of this cold water is lots and lots of fog. Most outdoorsmen know that fog and photography don’t mix, or that’s what lot’s of people think. I often head out in during these conditions. The fog itself can present eerie image opportunities, and one never knows when the fog may lift, even somewhat.

Yesterday afternoon was just such a day. Rather than be grouchy at home I took a quick bike ride and then headed out with my camera. The results speak for themselves!

Trumpeter Swan attacks and drives Canada Goose off local pond
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Love in the fog … Ring-billed Gulls
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Common Yellow-Throat (Warbler)
Y2-M05-Yellow-Throat-1

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Ring Necked Duck
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