Early this morning, I decided to simply bird my neighborhood. Since I had two music gigs today, the early one in Northern, VA, I didn't have a lot of time and I'd been meaning to check out some spots within walking distance of home.

It started slow. Four Bluebirds were waking up, the Cardinals were chipping and a few Carolina Wrens sang out.

I went to a wet, marshy, hedged-filled habitat with big dreams.  Aside from the Chickadees, I noticed what I initially thought was a Common Yellowthroat. The bird snuck under some hedges and popped out into a small opening maybe 5 feet in front of me. It was still quite dark (7AM), but I thought the eye ring looked bold. 

It vanished briefly, but soon resurfaced in another nearby opening... in time enough for 5-6 shots with my camera. I should have been more prepared for 'photography in the dark', but luckily my photos turned out acceptable. Acceptable enough to confirm this bird was a CONNECTICUT WARBLER.

I am fairly certain that my family and I moved to the right neighborhood. :)

I would have downloaded the pics, but my Mac is acting up. So instead I took a photo of my camera's screen with my iphone and uploaded them to my Facebook. Ho hum. I'll try to get my Mac fixed Monday and put them on flickr.

A few minutes later, I stumbled upon a nice passerine flock. Two Chestnut-sided, Black & White, Redstarts, Magnolias, Black-throated Green, Ovenbird, Parula, Common Yellowthroat and one traill's Flycatcher (looked Willowish, but I am terrible at flycatcher ID'ing). But just when it started getting great, I had to get in my car and go to my gig.

I love this time of year!

Good Birding,

Dan Haas 
St. Margaret's, MD
Nervousbirdsatgmail.com

Sent from my iPhone
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