Love your adventures. Almost comical. I see a cerulean in lower frick on the fire trail walking parallel to the creek. Twice but not this year cuz I didn’t go. But maybe. 🐤🙋🏻♀️
Hold on. You set out to see and photograph a treetops warbler as elusive as the blackburnian warbler only bluer. I’m envious of your success and confused by talk of 3/4th. You do understand how fortunate you are? I've been told by an expert birder that we were hearing a Cerulean and that was fantastic for me. Besides, you’ve got incentives to continue the pursuit.
Always love reading your posts. I had the opportunity to see a Cerulean at Point Pelee this year, and failed miserably. I did see a great many warblers, and a couple even let me photograph them! Such flitty little bastards. I have so many photos of branches where a warbler perched a millisecond before I hit the shutter button.
The only place I can reliably see a Wood Duck in my area is at the local sewage pond. I've spent more time than I care to admit there, admiring the Wood Ducks and other ducks that aren't above tooting around in the muck. Doesn't really make for the best photos though!
Warblers were put on this Earth to push our sanity to its limits. They’re too beautiful not to try to photograph. Too flitty to photograph. It’s really something.
There’s nothing like a local sewage pond for great birding. Gulls, carrion birds, waterfowl…they love a nice disgusting pond.
While I did see a few lifers on my birding trip, I did not locate any pie! In fact, I even saw a new lifer today (Harlequin Duck!), yet I remain pieless. I really am doing this whole thing completely wrong.
As is my general luck, I saw the Harlequin Ducks through heavy fog and misty rain, and I needed to double and triple-check my photos to make sure it wasn't a fever dream, but they still count!! Despite the absence of pie, I was still very happy. And I had a piece of cake, so I'm almost there!
I enjoyed this post! I live in central Pennsylvania (Pennsyltucky) so your description of the forest is familiar. I am not yet a full-fledged birder(haha😉) but I see potential in myself! My parents were both avid birders and I learned a lot just being around them. Yesterday on my run along a local creek I spotted a rose-breasted grosbeak. So there’s that!
I’ve never seen a cerulean warbler before. It looks like they do not come to Florida. I’ll be spending a few days up north in July and it appears they live there. Will definitely look for one and see if I can match your pictures!
The other day I posted a photo of a Cerulean Warbler on my Facebook page, with the caption "another crappy photo of a Cerulean Warbler." My lifelong goal will be to get a good photo of one. The struggle is real!
VERY REAL. One day I'm going to go to their nesting grounds, sit near the banks of the creek in total, and wait for them to come down for a bath. I feel it's the only hope.
now that you mention it. The very first Cerulean Warbler I saw was a female taking a drink out of a stream that runs through the area where they nest every year but that was probably Eight years ago. Sounds like a good plan!
I just got back from photographing birds at point pelee, and I can't tell you how many times I snorted reading your post. Were you reading my mind?!? I kept trying to get a picture of a red morph screech owl and all around the blackbirds were going, " umm, over here, over here, over here!!!"
Oh, Point Pelee is definitely a "bucket list" spot. I have been fortunate enough to go three times (I live in Toronto so it's relatively easy to get to) - twice for spring migration and once for the fall (butterfly) migration...where I saw ONE lone butterfly the whole day :D
As for warblers, my goodness, YES! Common Yellowthroat, Redstart, Yellow, Blackburnian, Tennessee, Worm, Prothonotary, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided... but sadly no Cerulean (for me - I heard there was one last time). He's definitely on my "wish List".
Pfft, no, the screech owl was snoozing behind around 20 feet of leaves and a really large branch LOL. I got good leaf and branch photos!
Cerulean is a really tough bird for Canada. I have to think Worm-eating is too! Although Point Pelee is pretty south for Canada I guess, now that I think about it lol.
At least you got one butterfly. Getting shut out would have just been embarrassing hahahaha
Ya know - because of your comment re the Worm-eating Warbler, I went back and took another look: I think it may have been the Warbling Vireo. We were seeing so many birds and I was trying to keep track of what our hike leader was identifying. Worm/Warbling: close, right?!?
What a thrilling writeup! You always make birding feel like an epic quest. I was so stoked when you suggested this outing. I’d been wanting a Cerulean for so long, so just hearing one at Frick, while exciting, felt a bit anticlimactic. I respected your lofty goal of getting photos, but I like to keep my expectations low(er): if I see the bird, I’m happy.
Orienting in a gorgeous place like Sewickley is one of my favorite things! I enjoy just getting a feel for what’s around and refreshing my memory on songs. I love getting my “base” down for the checklist too, so I can focus more on the birds instead of staring at my phone.
I’m looking forward to joining you in the 15,000 misidentification club! And I appreciate you choosing not to mention my immediate misID of an American Redstart as a Chestnut-sided Warbler--they were tricking me all day, lol.
This little guy was tough to spot. He loved the tops of trees, especially right in front of the sun. Very inconsiderate. Honestly, your pictures turned out pretty damn good given that! I gave up almost immediately.
You’re so right though, the outing was a total time vortex. And same with the days and weeks! I can’t believe we’re approaching the end of migration. It feels like it just started!
Also, incredible shots of the Wood Duck! Now that’s a well-mannered bird, presenting himself conveniently and posing for a good while. The Ceruleans should take notes. I’m also a huge fan of photographing waterfowl--such easy subjects, I love it. And they’ll be sticking around as all the migrants leave us :(
Hahaha...I like to weave a little narrative. Hero-birders setting out on a perilous journey. The stakes are high and poison ivy lurks in every corner. My ability to stretch the truth however is limited due to having an eyewitness who can call out my bs.
It was so nice of ONE of our three Ceruleans to play at least somewhat nice. The other two were being assholes.
The Redstarts continued to confuse me in Ohio this weekend. They sounded completely different and I needed to re-learn them once again. Fun.
For real, though! May is the fastest month ever. The best weather, most intense migration...and it lasts all of three days.
What a delightful read, and thank you for the mention!
Embarrassed to say I've never seen a Cerulean Warbler. Your photos from this year are plenty identifiable, and your shots from 2023 are wonderful.
Walking around for warblers, I've definitely thought more than once, "man, I love taking pictures of ducks." Your Wood Duck photos are amazing. Beautiful, perching duck.
"Red-eyed Vireo is determined not to shut the hell up" made me laugh and was too relatable. Thank you for sharing, Nate.
Thanks James! Nothing embarrassing about it. It's a tough one with a limited range! Lucky to have them breeding nearby.
I couldn't believe when that duck swooped in. I mean, I know Wood Ducks perch in trees, but there's something jarring about a duck coming in for a landing on a branch like a Blue Jay might.
Your Blackburnian has inspired me! Might have to take a full day at a Cerulean spot and see if I can get something I'm proud of.
I’ve only seen a perching Wood Duck one time—man, it was special. I look forward to your Cerulean shots, which I’m sure you’ll get sooner than later. If there’s a birding goal to be met, never bet against Nate Bowler.
Fair point, an "infamously hard-to-find bird that forages on the ground" might be a safer bet than even the best birder. Connecticut Warbler is foraging in comfort and bliss, my life list nowhere in sight.
It is funny how we can perceive time doing something we love like birding and being in Nature. Hopefully you get those crisp images of a Cerulean Warbler in the coming weeks. I like the photos of the male Wood Duck. They are a sight to see when you're not expecting to see them perched high up in a tree.
I've never seen a Cerulean Warbler. I will be out hiking this weekend and seeing which migratory birds are making their way through the area though. I'll keep my eyes and ears at the ready for one. :)
It looks like Ottawa Ontario is at the extreme northern edge of their breeding range. Hopefully have an opportunity this weekend as we're in peak warbler migration now. :)
I felt like I was birding with you! Thank you for the lovely read. I’ve not seen any of your birds as I’m here in South Africa but ‘suffer’ the same feelings in search of birds and photos of them. Especially the tiny forest dwelling critters !!
Love your adventures. Almost comical. I see a cerulean in lower frick on the fire trail walking parallel to the creek. Twice but not this year cuz I didn’t go. But maybe. 🐤🙋🏻♀️
Misadventures might be a better term for them 😆
Dang I’m going to have to check that spot out!!
😂
Hold on. You set out to see and photograph a treetops warbler as elusive as the blackburnian warbler only bluer. I’m envious of your success and confused by talk of 3/4th. You do understand how fortunate you are? I've been told by an expert birder that we were hearing a Cerulean and that was fantastic for me. Besides, you’ve got incentives to continue the pursuit.
I’m honestly still elated to have not just heard, not just seen, but photographed this bird two different times.
More importantly, thank you for reading!!
Great post Nate. Felt like I was right there!
Oh thank you, Sandra!! Best thing you could say. Trying to write mini novels here lol
Always love reading your posts. I had the opportunity to see a Cerulean at Point Pelee this year, and failed miserably. I did see a great many warblers, and a couple even let me photograph them! Such flitty little bastards. I have so many photos of branches where a warbler perched a millisecond before I hit the shutter button.
The only place I can reliably see a Wood Duck in my area is at the local sewage pond. I've spent more time than I care to admit there, admiring the Wood Ducks and other ducks that aren't above tooting around in the muck. Doesn't really make for the best photos though!
Thank you so much, JG!
Warblers were put on this Earth to push our sanity to its limits. They’re too beautiful not to try to photograph. Too flitty to photograph. It’s really something.
There’s nothing like a local sewage pond for great birding. Gulls, carrion birds, waterfowl…they love a nice disgusting pond.
How’s your pie quest going?
Cheers!
While I did see a few lifers on my birding trip, I did not locate any pie! In fact, I even saw a new lifer today (Harlequin Duck!), yet I remain pieless. I really am doing this whole thing completely wrong.
Okay, Harlequin Duck is a major lifer. How is your face not smeared with blueberries right now?
I can only show you the path. You have to walk it. I don't think I have to tell you what's at the end of the path...
(It's pie.)
As is my general luck, I saw the Harlequin Ducks through heavy fog and misty rain, and I needed to double and triple-check my photos to make sure it wasn't a fever dream, but they still count!! Despite the absence of pie, I was still very happy. And I had a piece of cake, so I'm almost there!
And they were probably bouncing up and down on treacherous waters. I can just see it.
Lifer cake. Hmm. I'm gonna have to think on this, but for now I won't contact the authorities.
I enjoyed this post! I live in central Pennsylvania (Pennsyltucky) so your description of the forest is familiar. I am not yet a full-fledged birder(haha😉) but I see potential in myself! My parents were both avid birders and I learned a lot just being around them. Yesterday on my run along a local creek I spotted a rose-breasted grosbeak. So there’s that!
I love a good bird pun, so thank you very much for that. And thanks for reading!! I'm glad you liked it.
Yes! Come join us at the party. The birds want to be watched so bad :)
I’ve never seen a cerulean warbler before. It looks like they do not come to Florida. I’ll be spending a few days up north in July and it appears they live there. Will definitely look for one and see if I can match your pictures!
Find a noisy little stream where the sycamores grow! They're so gorgeous, especially when the morning light hits them and lights up that blue.
Will do! Thank you!
The other day I posted a photo of a Cerulean Warbler on my Facebook page, with the caption "another crappy photo of a Cerulean Warbler." My lifelong goal will be to get a good photo of one. The struggle is real!
VERY REAL. One day I'm going to go to their nesting grounds, sit near the banks of the creek in total, and wait for them to come down for a bath. I feel it's the only hope.
now that you mention it. The very first Cerulean Warbler I saw was a female taking a drink out of a stream that runs through the area where they nest every year but that was probably Eight years ago. Sounds like a good plan!
I’m telling you! Smart people wait 6 hours for the bird to come down to the stream before ever pressing the shutter.
That’s may plan! Do you have them nesting close? Bring on the cerulean at the water hole quest :)
Beautiful
Thank you!!
I just got back from photographing birds at point pelee, and I can't tell you how many times I snorted reading your post. Were you reading my mind?!? I kept trying to get a picture of a red morph screech owl and all around the blackbirds were going, " umm, over here, over here, over here!!!"
Ahhh... I really want to visit Point Pelee! Any good warblers there?
And did you manage to photograph the owl to your satisfaction?
Oh, Point Pelee is definitely a "bucket list" spot. I have been fortunate enough to go three times (I live in Toronto so it's relatively easy to get to) - twice for spring migration and once for the fall (butterfly) migration...where I saw ONE lone butterfly the whole day :D
As for warblers, my goodness, YES! Common Yellowthroat, Redstart, Yellow, Blackburnian, Tennessee, Worm, Prothonotary, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided... but sadly no Cerulean (for me - I heard there was one last time). He's definitely on my "wish List".
Pfft, no, the screech owl was snoozing behind around 20 feet of leaves and a really large branch LOL. I got good leaf and branch photos!
Cerulean is a really tough bird for Canada. I have to think Worm-eating is too! Although Point Pelee is pretty south for Canada I guess, now that I think about it lol.
At least you got one butterfly. Getting shut out would have just been embarrassing hahahaha
Ya know - because of your comment re the Worm-eating Warbler, I went back and took another look: I think it may have been the Warbling Vireo. We were seeing so many birds and I was trying to keep track of what our hike leader was identifying. Worm/Warbling: close, right?!?
What a thrilling writeup! You always make birding feel like an epic quest. I was so stoked when you suggested this outing. I’d been wanting a Cerulean for so long, so just hearing one at Frick, while exciting, felt a bit anticlimactic. I respected your lofty goal of getting photos, but I like to keep my expectations low(er): if I see the bird, I’m happy.
Orienting in a gorgeous place like Sewickley is one of my favorite things! I enjoy just getting a feel for what’s around and refreshing my memory on songs. I love getting my “base” down for the checklist too, so I can focus more on the birds instead of staring at my phone.
I’m looking forward to joining you in the 15,000 misidentification club! And I appreciate you choosing not to mention my immediate misID of an American Redstart as a Chestnut-sided Warbler--they were tricking me all day, lol.
This little guy was tough to spot. He loved the tops of trees, especially right in front of the sun. Very inconsiderate. Honestly, your pictures turned out pretty damn good given that! I gave up almost immediately.
You’re so right though, the outing was a total time vortex. And same with the days and weeks! I can’t believe we’re approaching the end of migration. It feels like it just started!
Also, incredible shots of the Wood Duck! Now that’s a well-mannered bird, presenting himself conveniently and posing for a good while. The Ceruleans should take notes. I’m also a huge fan of photographing waterfowl--such easy subjects, I love it. And they’ll be sticking around as all the migrants leave us :(
Hahaha...I like to weave a little narrative. Hero-birders setting out on a perilous journey. The stakes are high and poison ivy lurks in every corner. My ability to stretch the truth however is limited due to having an eyewitness who can call out my bs.
It was so nice of ONE of our three Ceruleans to play at least somewhat nice. The other two were being assholes.
The Redstarts continued to confuse me in Ohio this weekend. They sounded completely different and I needed to re-learn them once again. Fun.
For real, though! May is the fastest month ever. The best weather, most intense migration...and it lasts all of three days.
Lovely photos of the Wood Duck, Nate. Enjoy hearing about your birding, Nate. Your stories always make me smile.
Thank you Aunt Sue! I’ll try to keep the smiles coming!!!
You describe the time vortex that is birding so well, Nate! I haven’t yet seen a Cerulean this year but hoping one still shows up 🤞
Thanks Kelly! Time loses all meaning while birding. Very disorienting to exit the vortex and return to reality.
Good luck getting a Cerulean! I'm rooting for you :)
What a delightful read, and thank you for the mention!
Embarrassed to say I've never seen a Cerulean Warbler. Your photos from this year are plenty identifiable, and your shots from 2023 are wonderful.
Walking around for warblers, I've definitely thought more than once, "man, I love taking pictures of ducks." Your Wood Duck photos are amazing. Beautiful, perching duck.
"Red-eyed Vireo is determined not to shut the hell up" made me laugh and was too relatable. Thank you for sharing, Nate.
Thanks James! Nothing embarrassing about it. It's a tough one with a limited range! Lucky to have them breeding nearby.
I couldn't believe when that duck swooped in. I mean, I know Wood Ducks perch in trees, but there's something jarring about a duck coming in for a landing on a branch like a Blue Jay might.
Your Blackburnian has inspired me! Might have to take a full day at a Cerulean spot and see if I can get something I'm proud of.
I’ve only seen a perching Wood Duck one time—man, it was special. I look forward to your Cerulean shots, which I’m sure you’ll get sooner than later. If there’s a birding goal to be met, never bet against Nate Bowler.
Unless there’s a Connecticut Warbler at stake. Then by all means bet on the bird 😅
Fair point, an "infamously hard-to-find bird that forages on the ground" might be a safer bet than even the best birder. Connecticut Warbler is foraging in comfort and bliss, my life list nowhere in sight.
One of two eastern warblers I've not seen. Swainson's I've never pursued, so no grudge there.
I have to say, the wood duck is my favourite! Such a fresh breath from small-bird photography sometimes.
It was like this duck knew exactly what I needed hahaha.
It is funny how we can perceive time doing something we love like birding and being in Nature. Hopefully you get those crisp images of a Cerulean Warbler in the coming weeks. I like the photos of the male Wood Duck. They are a sight to see when you're not expecting to see them perched high up in a tree.
I've never seen a Cerulean Warbler. I will be out hiking this weekend and seeing which migratory birds are making their way through the area though. I'll keep my eyes and ears at the ready for one. :)
Are Ceruleans found where you are, Neil? I hope you get one! They're a gorgeous bird when they let you see them.
It looks like Ottawa Ontario is at the extreme northern edge of their breeding range. Hopefully have an opportunity this weekend as we're in peak warbler migration now. :)
Find a stream lined with sycamores if you can!!
Will do and thanks for the tip!
I felt like I was birding with you! Thank you for the lovely read. I’ve not seen any of your birds as I’m here in South Africa but ‘suffer’ the same feelings in search of birds and photos of them. Especially the tiny forest dwelling critters !!
Thanks for reading! That's the thing about birds--the trials of photographing and finding them are universal, even if the species aren't!