Date: 9/9/12 12:07 pm
From: Timothy Houghton <thoughton...>
Subject: [MDBirding] CONNECTICUT WARBLER, Cromwell, 9/9


If you use the Willow Grove entrance, as you approach the bridge just before the parking lot, take the trail to the LEFT (toward the other bridge). The Conn was on a walnut-tree branch directly above the path (about 9 feet high), around 50 paces before you get to the birdhouse labeled "10."

A couple of birders were heading toward me (and another birder with me)--and our two groups seemed to be pushing waves of warblers toward each other, making it very fun. In fact, never in over 4 years have I seen as many warblers (little birds in general) at Cromwell as I saw today. When I saw the Conn, I got an absolutely perfect view for maybe 5 full seconds--thin but distinct gray hood, eye rings, drab yellow belly--a tubby (distinguished) and reclusive gentleman in half profile: perfect view. Then I made the mistake of briefly lowering my binoculars and yelling something like "a *@$#*&%$#@*&% connectuicut warbler right above the path"! Then it was gone, presumably back down low in brush. Around 10am I think. What a thrill. What a high.

Earlier in the week I'd gotten a note from Tim Carney describing a strange warbler he'd seen at the "sparrow" area near the Willow-Grove bridge. The next day I went out there and saw a bird that largely fit the description in the same spot among yellowthroats and decided it was a Nashville (my having gotten a good view of it). But who knows if it was truly the same bird.

Got 8 warbler species today I think, plus a cuckoo. I ran into other birders who got more stuff, good stuff. Selected birds at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S11548394.

I found a very odd looking warbler about which I'm going to send a separate asking for comments.

Tim Houghton
(Glen Arm)


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