a mystery warbler and some less mysterious others

Dozens, if not hundreds, of birds, were active in the live and dead trees back of the pond early this morning. Although dominated by Black-capped Chickadees and some Tufted Titmice, there was also a fair variety of warblers with Black-and-white, Pine, Prairie, Am Redstart, Common Yellowthroat and Northern Waterthrush. Also Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Pewee, House and Carolina Wrens, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers,

A gray warbler-sized bird with two bright wingbars, glimpsed in the trees, had me stumped and, try as I might, I could not find it again or match it up with any warbler or vireo known to me. The closest guess would be a female or young Cerulean Warbler but I did not note any green on the back of this bird which was, in any case, half-hidden in dense green foliage. Unless I can find it again and get more field marks, it will have to go into the category of one that got away!

Lots of insects. Katydids have been calling since the beginning of the month and there has been a variety of butterflies although, sadly enough, not a single Monarch.

Eric Salzman