May 14 2010

Kirtland’s Warbler – Crane Creek, Ohio!

This morning @ 9:15 AM Kenn Kaufman found a 2Y male Kirtland’s Warbler along the beach at Crane Creek. I was notified immediately by his Twitter posting which I have texting my cell phone! I rushed out from East Cleveland as soon as I was able to and arrived just before dusk. The large group of people still observing the KIWA got me on the bird immediately and I was able to capture some stunning images before the sun set in the distance.

Here’s an excerpt from Kenn’s blog:

“At about 9:15 a.m. I was lucky enough to find a male Kirtland’s Warbler. I was luckier still that it stayed around: I sent out the word via Twitter and cell phone, hundreds of people arrived during the next four hours while I was there, and it was still being seen after 4:30 pm. The location was along the east (wildlife) beach about 300 yards east of the parking lot. The bird was feeding low for the entire time, sometimes hopping on the ground, sometimes foraging among low branches of sumacs or willows, or even among brush piles. Often it was amazingly easy to see, and several times it flew toward crowds of people and foraged unconcernedly within a few yards of its admirers. I’m sure it was seen by over a thousand birders, and undoubtedly tens of thousands of photos were taken; this is probably the most-photographed Kirtland’s Warbler in history!”

Photos!

Kirtland's Warbler
Kirtland’s Warbler

Kirtland's Warbler
Kirtland’s Warbler

Kirtland's Warbler
Kirtland’s Warbler

Kirtland's Warbler
Kirtland’s Warbler


May 14 2010

Purple Gallinule

So after spending 10 days in Florida and Everglades I did not see one Purple Gallinule. Who would have known I come to Ohio three weeks later and have one almost walk over my feet! I even recorded it all with my iPhone. Hooray for iPhone 3GS video.

  • Video Clip #1
  • Video Clip #2

    Purple Gallinule Sign
    Purple Gallinule Sign

    Purple Gallinule
    Purple Gallinule

    Habitat
    Habitat


  • May 14 2010

    Magee Marsh, Crane Creek, Ohio – May 9

    Ohio Sunset
    Ohio Sunset near Toledo

    It was Mother’s Day and the Magee Marsh boardwalk was packed to the hilt! Fortunately I missed the even larger crowd the previous day [International Migratory Bird Day].

    The morning started off pretty chilly at 35F and barely got past 45F by mid-afternoon. Other than that it was a gorgeous, sunny day! Most of the passerines present had been there a couple days already since weather conditions were not conducive to continue on their path north the previous nights.

    Had a lot of fun shooting with some old pals that I’ve met on previous trips to Ohio. My friend’s grandson snapped this pic of me. See if you can spot me in it below!

    Magee Marsh Boardwalk
    Magee Marsh Boardwalk

    And of course, here are some bird photos I took!

    Canada Goose
    Canada Goose

    Canada Goose
    Canada Goose

    Nashville Warbler
    Nashville Warbler

    Black-and-white Warbler
    Black-and-white Warbler

    Blackburnian Warbler
    Blackburnian Warbler

    Cape May Warbler
    Cape May Warbler

    White-throated Sparrow
    White-throated Sparrow

    Canada Goose
    Canada Goose