Kirtland's Warblers.

Male Kirtland's Warbler wondering what I am doing pointing a big lens at him

Scott Jennex and I went up to Grayling, Michigan over the 4th of July weekend to visit our good friends Calvin and Charlene Brennan. Their Birthdays are both on July 2nd while mine falls on July 5th. We decided to celebrate our Birthdays together with some birding.

My main target bird was Kirtland's Warbler, because it was the only regular occuring warbler for the state of Michigan I was missing for the year. Scott was also missing this species for his year list. What better way to get it while visiting friends. especially friends who had some "special" place to find this great bird.

As you can see from the photos, we found our Kirtland's. It was a nice way to spend my Birthday, photographing this very cooperative pair amongst the many that were in the Jack Pine plot. Even though my photos of these birds are by no means anything great, it was fun.


Male Kirtland's Warbler singing from one of his "look out" points.


Male Kirtland's Warbler getting ready to chase off another male who has entered his territory


Female Kirtland's Warbler


ADDITONAL PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP. Typically, I do not post many "nonbird" photos here on this blog. However, since purchasing my Nikon Coolpix P6000 camera, a whole new world has been opened up to me photographically. Below are some shots taken with this camera.




Red-spotted Purple Butterfly


Northern Pearlyeye Butterfly


Least Skipper




Crab Spider with fly


Spittlebug




Chalk-fronted Corporals




Halloween Pennant

Mockingbird Vocal Prowse

Chuck Owens and I went to Sharon Valley Road in Washtenaw County this morning. Our goal was to see the previously mentioned Western Meadowlark. Chuck needed it for a life bird and I needed it for a year bird for Michigan.

We arrived at the location and took some time locating the bird amongst the many Eastastern Meadowlarks.

The coolest thing about this area were the five Northern Mockingbirds who were very vocal the entire time we were there. It honestly became annoying after a few hours of it though.

One of the mockers was really showing off his vocal talents. His repertoire was incredible. All his imitations were dead on perfection. Some of his best were: Blue Jay (he did two different calls of this bird), Northern Cardinal, Black-capped chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, an incredible Belted Kingfisher (which just totally made me laugh everytime he did it). He also did a great American Robin, Red-tailed Hawk (including the begging call of a baby Red-tail) and a cool car alarm. Impressive, indeed!

I have read that some bird's repertoire of bird call imitations can range anywhere from 50 to 200 songs of different species found in an individual Mockingbird's habitat. I would have loved to sit there and really concentrate on all the calls this one bird could do. Maybe one day before this season escapes me.