When I read on the WV list that they had a Swainson's Warbler sighted just a stones throw across the PA border (and MD for that matter) at Cooper's Rock State Forest, I figured this was a good time for Amy and I to try for our Life bird. Morgantown, WV was only a 4 1/2 hour drive from us and only 15 mins from the forest so we decided to drive Friday night, spend the night in Morgantown and be up bright and early and ready to search. We pulled over at the parking area for the Hemlock Trailhead (39.654950, -79.737200) at around 6:30 am. Amy did no more than swing open her door and she had her lifer. Before we even set foot outside the car the SWAINSON'S WARBLER (Photo and Audio) could be heard singing clearly. By the time we walked down the trail a short distance it sounded like we were right on it. And we basically were. It was in the rhododendron along the path and out of sight that is until it popped up into the low branch of a tree about 20 feet from the path and began singing just as insistently as before. We got good looks but the low light, rain and humidity made photos tough. So we headed back to the Ramada Inn posted to the WV list and ate some breakfast. When we came outside the sun was shining so we decided to try again. This time was nearly the same as last, except this time the Swainson's popped up right next to the path to sing! and I had light! and he even waited for me to move over so the trunk of the tree he was in didn't get in the way. Needless to say we were giddy. We spent the next 3 hours of the morning try to get shots of the numerous HOODED WARBLERS (Photo) and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS (Photo) in the same area (digiscoping Warblers can be arduous!). We also heard (and Amy saw) a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Audio) which made for a nice comparison with the Swainson's singing. Overall our first real visit to WV made for a great trip with beautiful scenery and a Great Bird!
regards,
jeff

Downingtown, PA 

Checkout our bird photos at the link below: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffamy/ 

"Birding Like I Have Six Months To Live"