May 18th warblers

I have noted over the years that the peak of spring migration out here (i.e. on the East End) comes after the middle of May for the obvious reason that the spring arrives much later here than it does back West. When the oak tree tassels are mature and the leaves begin to appear, the warblers can find food in the tree tops (and sometimes also below). My best warbler day in this area was a May 18th, a goodly number of years ago. However, recent spring migrations have not been very impressive so it gives me great pleasure to announce that May 18, 2016, was a good warbler day, almost like the old days.

The outstanding finds were Wilson's Warbler and a handsome Canada announcing his presence in full song. The complete warbler list is as follows: Northern Parula, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler (many and vocal), Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler (foraging high instead of low but an unmistakable yellow bird with a black cap), and Canada Warbler. 11 species in all, several of them new for the season.

Also new: a singing Red-eyed Vireo and the first appearance on the creek of some long-overdue Least Terns.

Happy Spring!

Eric Salzman