Chenango Valley State Park Today April 30th, 2021- Warbler Photos

[david nicosia]

Although the weather wasn't ideal, chilly with winds becoming quite strong I had a decent morning. I also got some decent photos (well not as good as Glenn's), but I was happy with them!  

see https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S86723215  for ebird report and photos. 

Highlights for me FOY BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, one above the bog trail which was very cooperative. This bird was foraging fairly low in a hemlock and I got some decent photos. This bird likely is a breeder here.  There was another BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER down by the river sporadically singing and with a bunch of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERs. This second individual more likely is a migrant.  I also got great photos of a CHESNUT-SIDED WARBLER of which I heard first. This bird was close to the river opposite the main parking area. It was singing from a bare tree affording great photos. I also had my FOY COMMON YELLOWTHROATs.  This place is awesome for practicing IDing the "trillers".... CHIPPING SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO and PINE WARBLER. At times I had all three singing in the same area!.  All three species were quite common there. BLUE HEADED VIREOS continue to sing their sweet slower vireo song which is among my favorites. One bird came really close and I got some nice photos. I also had several BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS as well.  Both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were calling from the woods by the river and above the bog trail. PINE SISKINS were all over and by the beginning of the towpath trail I estimated at least 50-60 birds. There were also a flock of PINE SISKINS above the bog trail. I also got a quick view of the BARRED OWL which flew past me above the bog trail. I also had 4 species of swallows on the Chenango River. So although the weather hampered birding, especially later in the morning with high winds it was still an awesome time. 

Dave Nicosia