May = birds

May in eastern Massachusetts means bird migration. Earlier this week we saw this male wood duck (Aix sponsa) in Plymouth.

Today was the first foray to find warblers migrating through, or back. Didn’t see many, but some we saw provided great views. This was only the 2nd photograph I shot today, and I could have quit there and been quite content. Black & white warbler (Mniotilta varia) 

The next “good” bird was the devil to find. We heard the blue-winged warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) singing away for maybe 10 minutes or more. Seemed to not be moving around at all. But we couldn’t get it in view to save our souls. Finally it appeared for a little while. Too far off for me to shoot well, maybe Marie got on it.

 

The next good ‘un was so cooperative it wasn’t funny. A veery (Catharus fuscescens), totally silent, but feeding very close to, or on, the ground for a long time.

Three days ago the first-of-the-season Baltimore orioles (Icterus galbula) showed up in the yard. So nice to catch them before the leaves are fully out, when even this bright a bird gets hidden easily.

Down the road we’ve been treated to a show of 6 glossy ibises (Plegadis falcinellus) feeding for the past few days.