Our Bird Walk on Tuesday was near the peak of warbler migration. But it followed the heels of the spring Nor'easter that blew all day Monday. The birds were very quiet, and we surmised that they were busy eating and not singing.
We did get a very good look at a Common Yellowthroat (not to be confused with a Yellow-throated Warbler). Yellowthroats are a group of warblers, however, only the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is found in our area. The male has a black mask across its face, so I call it the "Lone Ranger". It sings loudly witchity-witchity-witchity. They like edge habitats, and are often hard to find, even when they are singing nearby in the brush.
While we did hear and see several birds (about 2 dozen species), it was easy to be distracted by wildflowers, butterflies and the sheer beauty of Fulshaw Craeg. We saw Showy Orchis, Squawroot, Pinkster, Miterwort, and Lyre-leaved Sage.
Among the butterflies we spotted was this somewhat uncommon Sleepy Duskywing. I admit that I wouldn't be able to ID it, but the photo and Virginia's keen eye did. A very nice find. (Photos by Carole Mebus.)
