Congratulations on the Connecticut! And isn’t that always the way it goes with a nemesis? You try and try to see it, and once you do you’re bound to stumble upon one without trying soon after! The same thing happened to me with an American Bittern last week 😂
I’ve never been to MM because I can never convince myself to leave Chicago during May!
So glad Alex pushed you to go! “Just bird” really is the best approach. You couldn’t miss another year of the Biggest Week, where else are you going to get all these birds at eye level??
I can’t believe the pictures you got! I know it’s all about warblers, but the lighting in that Warbling Vireo shot is beautiful. The female Bay-breasted is gorgeous too, with her pose and those soft, understated colors. And the Common Nighthawk shot is so crisp! Very thoughtful of them to just hang out by the parking lot for everyone, lol.
A blood sacrifice seems fitting for conquering a nemesis. It’s no coincidence you saw him the moment flesh was torn! Also, do you remember that friend I mentioned on Monday—the one who said people were on their hands and knees for the Connecticut? She’s in that photo lmaooo
That was such a beautiful little homily. It’s wonderful hearing about the community there! Birding has a way of bringing together people who might never have crossed paths otherwise, and I’ve been amazed by the kindness and generosity in our little community. Everyone just wants to share the joy!
I really owe her a lifer. Shouldn't be hard. She's not a birder. But seriously, thank god I listened to her good common sense.
I wish I'd taken more pics, but I'm happy with the ones I got. Really only regret not getting that Blackpoll that was SO fucking close.
It really did feel like a lifer consecrated in blood. Absolutely ridiculous and very amusing to all who heard me say, "I tore my pants for this bird." Definitely a first for me. Would do it again.
I am thrilled you finally got to go, but you know, I don’t think it is as much a bird-watching/identification/photo snapping event as it is a, “Oh, Bird Goddess above, they’re back again!!??”
“We’ve been invaded again! Those funny looking two-loggers are back!!!!”
“Hey, there’s a bet going on on which one of us can make those clumsy animals ‘oooh’, and ‘ahhhh’ the most.”
“They’re scaring all the insects away with their horrid smell!”
“Anyone recognize that one with the funny looking crest? I think it was here last year too? Different tail feathers but smells the same.”
I had the exact same thought while I was there, though you imagine it much more colorfully than I did. Lurkers, Gawkers, Oglers, Nerders, and Dorkfaces. They need a field guide of their own lol
This was excellent to read—vicarious triumph delivered with elegance! Congratulations on the Connecticut! Twice back to back after years? Sometimes it feels like the birds are laughing at us. “Some of these birds were just too close for a telephoto lens” made me shudder with recognition. So many times I have enjoyed close birds that my lens just couldn’t get. Thank you for showing me i have to add Magee Marsh to my birding bucket list.
Just noticed I accidentally posted this as a reply to my own post and not to your lovely comment:
They are absolutely laughing at us. I've never doubted it.
Yes Magee Marsh is not to be missed! I'm trying not to stew about how many times I haven't been there and just look forward to the next visit. Absolutely bucket list worthy.
Thanks for reading!! No Ceruleans! I didn't hear about any being seen, either. I saw 20 different warbler species but they didn't seem to be in the mix.
Congratulations on the Connecticut Warbler! This was a fun read and I like that idea the birders mentioned of a patch for the torn denim as proof. Haha. Hat-tip to your spouse Alex for nudging you to get out there to do some birding at Magee Marsh.
Thank you, Neil! It's one of those places everyone should try to visit once in their lives. Also gotta get to Point Pelee for a migration someday, whether it takes a nudge from my wife or not!
They are absolutely laughing at us. I've never doubted it.
Yes Magee Marsh is not to be missed! I'm trying not to stew about how many times I haven't been there and just look forward to the next visit. Absolutely bucket list worthy.
You're going to have to edit the description of your publication :-) Very glad for you! And isn't that typical, to search for something for years and then see two within a day of each other! Your passion for your subject shines. No better way to get others inspired!
So glad you went on this journey and found a world of fabulous humans (and birds!) all congregated in this tight yet wonderful space!
It really was amazing for so many reasons. Ty for telling me to stop being ridiculous
Any time!
Congratulations on the Connecticut! And isn’t that always the way it goes with a nemesis? You try and try to see it, and once you do you’re bound to stumble upon one without trying soon after! The same thing happened to me with an American Bittern last week 😂
I’ve never been to MM because I can never convince myself to leave Chicago during May!
And you know what? I KNEW that was going to happen. Never fails lol
Totally understand. That's probably part of the reason I'd never been. Just want to get all the good birds at home during migration.
So glad Alex pushed you to go! “Just bird” really is the best approach. You couldn’t miss another year of the Biggest Week, where else are you going to get all these birds at eye level??
I can’t believe the pictures you got! I know it’s all about warblers, but the lighting in that Warbling Vireo shot is beautiful. The female Bay-breasted is gorgeous too, with her pose and those soft, understated colors. And the Common Nighthawk shot is so crisp! Very thoughtful of them to just hang out by the parking lot for everyone, lol.
A blood sacrifice seems fitting for conquering a nemesis. It’s no coincidence you saw him the moment flesh was torn! Also, do you remember that friend I mentioned on Monday—the one who said people were on their hands and knees for the Connecticut? She’s in that photo lmaooo
That was such a beautiful little homily. It’s wonderful hearing about the community there! Birding has a way of bringing together people who might never have crossed paths otherwise, and I’ve been amazed by the kindness and generosity in our little community. Everyone just wants to share the joy!
I really owe her a lifer. Shouldn't be hard. She's not a birder. But seriously, thank god I listened to her good common sense.
I wish I'd taken more pics, but I'm happy with the ones I got. Really only regret not getting that Blackpoll that was SO fucking close.
It really did feel like a lifer consecrated in blood. Absolutely ridiculous and very amusing to all who heard me say, "I tore my pants for this bird." Definitely a first for me. Would do it again.
I am thrilled you finally got to go, but you know, I don’t think it is as much a bird-watching/identification/photo snapping event as it is a, “Oh, Bird Goddess above, they’re back again!!??”
“We’ve been invaded again! Those funny looking two-loggers are back!!!!”
“Hey, there’s a bet going on on which one of us can make those clumsy animals ‘oooh’, and ‘ahhhh’ the most.”
“They’re scaring all the insects away with their horrid smell!”
“Anyone recognize that one with the funny looking crest? I think it was here last year too? Different tail feathers but smells the same.”
“Yeah, I think it is a Grand Rapids Lurker!”
Hahahahah well done.
I had the exact same thought while I was there, though you imagine it much more colorfully than I did. Lurkers, Gawkers, Oglers, Nerders, and Dorkfaces. They need a field guide of their own lol
This was excellent to read—vicarious triumph delivered with elegance! Congratulations on the Connecticut! Twice back to back after years? Sometimes it feels like the birds are laughing at us. “Some of these birds were just too close for a telephoto lens” made me shudder with recognition. So many times I have enjoyed close birds that my lens just couldn’t get. Thank you for showing me i have to add Magee Marsh to my birding bucket list.
Just noticed I accidentally posted this as a reply to my own post and not to your lovely comment:
They are absolutely laughing at us. I've never doubted it.
Yes Magee Marsh is not to be missed! I'm trying not to stew about how many times I haven't been there and just look forward to the next visit. Absolutely bucket list worthy.
Thanks for reading and sharing, James!
oh MM.. lucky you. a feast of feathers..
That’s exactly what it was!!
I love a birding yarn! (Any ceruleans at Magee?)
Thanks for reading!! No Ceruleans! I didn't hear about any being seen, either. I saw 20 different warbler species but they didn't seem to be in the mix.
Congratulations on the Connecticut Warbler! This was a fun read and I like that idea the birders mentioned of a patch for the torn denim as proof. Haha. Hat-tip to your spouse Alex for nudging you to get out there to do some birding at Magee Marsh.
Thank you, Neil! It's one of those places everyone should try to visit once in their lives. Also gotta get to Point Pelee for a migration someday, whether it takes a nudge from my wife or not!
loved this homily! hahaha
I was worried it sounded too preachy lol. Thanks Josie!! ❤️❤️❤️
Nature always requires a sacrifice to witness its beauty, don’t it?
It's the least we can do. I would have offered one whole finger to see that bird. Gratefully didn't have to.
So happy for you. Now I can say I was there in spirit.
Thank you! I felt your presence I'm certain!
I'm traveling to Savannah GA next week and am excited to bird in all the beautiful parks.
Please let me know what you see there!
I certainly will.
They are absolutely laughing at us. I've never doubted it.
Yes Magee Marsh is not to be missed! I'm trying not to stew about how many times I haven't been there and just look forward to the next visit. Absolutely bucket list worthy.
Thanks for reading and sharing, James.
You're going to have to edit the description of your publication :-) Very glad for you! And isn't that typical, to search for something for years and then see two within a day of each other! Your passion for your subject shines. No better way to get others inspired!