I've been slowly making my way up the east coast after spending the most delicious winter in Texas, and out of range of reliable internet most of the way. Photo opportunities have been scarce, as I've mostly been visiting friends and family in city settings.
But now I am in Central Maine, staying in a log cabin at the forest's edge, and in Warbler Heaven. Although I'm in jeopardy of being carried away by the black flies, I am surrounded by warblers and need only to step out the front door to view 6, 7, 8 different species in one small stand of trees!
The air is rife with birdsong - the squeeky wheel of the Black and White Warblers, the over-the-top trill of the Northern Parula. "Teacher, Teacher", says the Ovenbird, over and over again. Chestnut-sided Warblers. Black-throated Blues and Black-throated Greens ("one, two, three, four, five")....there are so many, I can't even remember them all. Quite the symphony. In the few days I've been here, I have accumulated over 35 birds on my yard list alone. I'm so "pleased, pleased, pleased to meetcha", calls the Chestnut-sided Warbler! Such a wondeful opportunity to hone my birding-by-ear skills.
Sadly, they are busy feeding among the treetops and elude the scope of my little camera. But there are a few that frequent the feeding station. (I apologize for the poor quality of the photos.)
Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Generally, we travel an hour, down to Portland, to bird the Evergreen Cemetary for all these species, but with the price of gas, it's nice to be able to stay put!
By the way, there's a new book soon to be released from Princeton University Press that looks quite tempting. It's all about Avian Architecture. You can check it out on their blog here!!
And a final note: I usually take the bus from Maine to Cape Breton, however, when attempting to make my plans, I discovered that there is no longer bus service available. They terminated the route in February. So, I'm kind of stuck here for a little while, until the opportunity to continue my journey presents itself.
Sure is a nice place to be stranded!!
15 comments:
when you dropped by my blog the other day, i was wondering if you were still in texas. wish i could pick you up in Maine and drive you to your next destination! but in the meantime, enjoy that warbler heaven!!!
Nice one Karen and the Gnome.
I remember reading about that bus service being terminated, probably while sitting in a bus depot in Nova Scotia last year.
But, yes, what a nice place to be stranded! All that beautiful birdsong.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
35 varieties in your own yard! I hope they don't all talk at once. :o) Sweet bird pics. Love the little nuthatch.
You should have stopped by the swamp on your way up the east coast. We would have provided wi-fi ;)
What a wonderful post, Karen! 35 different birds. Wow. That must really give you a beautiful symphony.
Avian Architecture. I am always so impressed what animals do from instinct. All that science and mathematics without books.
Have a good time in the Log Cabin. Sounds so romantic (o:
WELL if ya gotta be stuck man oh man what the place to do it in!! SO many super sightings and Im like you I bird a lot by ear...and recite those little rhythms to myself as I listen...
WHY are you apologizing for your photos??? These are Perfect!!!!
Sounds like the ideal location to be stranded for a while. Enjoy the daily chorus while you can Karen.
Hi there - thanks for having a look at my photo-blog.
You may be interested in my other blog as well - more pictures and more words as well - http://payingreadyattention.blogspot.com/
I am always a bit amazed at the range of birds that some back yards in the US have - spent a short time in Ohio a few years ago and was just blown away by the cardinals and such like. Your pictures are a reminder of what that was like.
Stewart M - Australia
With all those cool birds to watch...I wouldn't mind being stuck either! Hey...I like your pictures. Sorry to hear you have those mean House Sparrows.
Sounds like a great place to be stranded! Enjoy Warbler Heaven!
I don't think you are going to be bored while you are stranded. It sounds like a perfect place for you and to be able to enjoy all those warblers must be very exciting. So enjoyed seeing the pictures. Nola
Hello Karen, I enjoyed reading your post....enjoy your time...Warm Regards, Lyn
We hope to go to Maine next year. what is the best month to go in the spring/summer?
The sparrow is much more beautiful than those we have here. Lovely!
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