’23 Spring Warbler Migration

Jeremy16 Comments

Despite having terrible weather conditions in May, to produce huge numbers of warblers, I still ended up with 36 warbler species. I just didn’t have very many big days, like I’m used to. We were stuck with E, NE or N winds for the majority of the warbler migration, thanks to our “great” Lake Michigan! Of the 36 warblers, 35 of them were in Milwaukee County. The lone one outside of Milwaukee County, was a Painted Redstart that showed up in Sauk County. I missed one, a Black-throated Gray Warbler that made an appearance at Wind Point Lighthouse in Racine, and only because I was busy that day. Most of the county parks were just average at best. Warnimont Park was producing rather solid numbers most days, like usual and is still my favorite spring warbler park. One little gem, that was basically the county hotspot, was Shorewood Nature Preserve. This tiny little park, nestled between a couple mansions in Shorewood, hosted some great birds including, Worm-eating Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, multiple Yellow-throated Warblers, Prairie Warbler, multiple Hooded Warblers, and a Louisiana Waterthrush. All of those warblers are great for the county. Lake Park hosted a couple of Connecticut Warblers, like it usually does. Warnimont Park also a had several, however viewing is better a Lake Park for them. This is a very large gallery of photos, but warblers are my favorite and I spend a lot of time with them in the spring. As always, I try for male and female, along with first spring birds, to show the varying plumages between them. It’s tough to get them all though. All of the photos below are from Milwaukee County, with the exception being the Painted Redstart. Enjoy!

American Redstart

Bay-breasted Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Blue-winged Warbler

Canada Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Cerulean Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Connecticut Warbler

Golden-winged Warbler

Hooded Warbler

Kentucky Warbler

Louisiana Waterthrush

Magnolia Warbler

Mourning Warbler

Nashville Warbler

Northern Parula

Northern Waterthrush

Orange-crowned Warbler

Ovenbird

Painted Redstart

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Prairie Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Tennessee Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler

Worm-eating Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Sorry, no photos of these this spring, but I did see and hear them twice.

Connecticut Warblers at Lake Park 5/19/23

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Friday morning, a Connecticut Warbler was heard singing from the Locust Ravine at Lake Park. I started the morning at Whitnall Park and was just waiting to hear a report of one. I quickly left and went to Lake Park, arriving just past 10am. It took a few hours, but I finally got on the bird after it came to the base of the ravine for a bath. It then flew up and continued walking the ravine side. There was a group of us in the base of the ravine looking up, trying to follow this bird through the vegetation. Since the undergrowth is quite tall already, it was extremely difficult to see the bird move throughout the vegetation. I snuck up the side of the ravine, about halfway and waited for it to come into a clearing area. It did and came into view about 20′ in away from me. I was able to freeze his movement with the sound of my camera shutter going off. That worked out perfectly, as it froze right in front of me, mostly out in the open. It then continued to walk towards a thicker area. I was looking through my camera to see if any of the photos turned out, when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. It was another Connecticut Warbler, coming from the same direction as the first one. This time though, the bird was only 10′ away from and which is too close for my lens to focus. Another warbler flew past giving an alert chip and I saw both Connecticut Warblers at the same time, fly into some brush a little further up and away from me. After a minute or so, one of them started walking back down the ravine, providing the others with some good views. It’s been 3 straight years of good looks at a Connecticut Warbler in the Locust Ravine, which I hope continues in the future. Photos below are from late morning/early afternoon Friday. Enjoy!

Cerulean Warbler at Shorewood Nature Preserve

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A Cerulean Warbler was found yesterday 5/10, at the Shorewood Nature Preserve, in Milwaukee County. I was out of town, so I did not have a chance to see it. I had already seen one at Warnimont Park a week earlier, so it didn’t bother me as much. This morning I started my day at Whitnall Park, and just like every other day there so far, it was dead! I heard that the Cerulean Warbler was again singing at SNP, so I figured I would go down there and check it out. I’m glad I did, because it was one of the most cooperative Cerulean Warblers I ever had! I walked over to the amphitheater area where it had been seen, however, I didn’t hear it or see it. Within 5 minutes, I heard it sing one time to the north and then it flew right into the tree above the amphitheater, and right above me. I couldn’t believe it! It moved from that tree to the downed tree/brush pile next to it, with a group of other warblers passing through, and then back into the tree. Several others had joined me, and we watched it sing consistently for the next 30 minutes, only 20′ away. This is a stunning bird with a beautiful song, that is very uncommon. It’s always a treat to get to see one, especially that close. I spent 5.5 hours at SNP today and from what I was hearing, it was the only park in Milwaukee with any birds. A White-eyed Vireo was also there as well. I ended up with 73 species and 21 warblers there, which I think is very impressive considering it’s so small! In the past 4 days, this park has hosted Summer Tanager, Yellow-throated Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, 2 Hooded Warblers, Prothonotary Warbler and White-eyed Vireo! This is crazy, since it might only be 2 acres in size. Every year there is a hot spot in Milwaukee and SNP seems to be the one this year. Photos below are from Thursday 5/11. Enjoy!

Golden-winged, Blue-winged and Blackburnian Warblers at Warnimont Park

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The past 3 days have been excellent for Golden-winged, Blue-winged and Blackburnian Warblers at Warnimont Park. The area between archery range and parking lot, the golf course and the woods just south of the golf course have all been productive. The “winged” warblers are spectacular looking and sounding! Their songs are loud and bring a smile to your face, while walking around, trying to locate them. It’s always very exciting to see these birds. Blackburnian Warblers are spectacular looking as well, with their fire orange throat on black and white body. They really stand out in the morning sun! I have had at least 3 of each the past few days. The photos below are from Warnimont Park between 5/6-5/9. Enjoy!

Golden-winged Warbler

Blue-winged Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Worm-eating Warbler at Shorewood Nature Preserve 5/8/23

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I went to Shorewood Nature Preserve this afternoon/evening to look for the reported Summer Tanager. The rain was supposed to stop by 2pm, then by 5pm and it’s still raining as I type this at 9:30pm. The local meteorologists sure know how to do their job!!! So, I was stuck walking around this park in the rain. Also reported from there this morning, were Yellow-throated, Prothonotary and Hooded Warblers. Of course, I wanted to get photos of those three as well. When I arrived, I walked down the bluff, headed on the north path and made a loop. It was very quiet, and I didn’t see or hear much. I then went towards the lake and found a small pocket of warblers, mostly Palm and Yellow-rumped. I walked the beach north, to the park edge and still nothing. I walked back to the path, and I finally found the Summer Tanager. It was feeding high in the treetops. I watched it for a little while and it never came lower or cooperated for that matter. I gave up on it and focused back on finding the warblers. I headed back north and as soon as I crossed the large fallen tree, a dull warbler jumped up from the ground in the raspberry bushes. I assumed it was an Orange-crowned, since they are usually low in the thicker growth and the color matched. It was very close to me, but there were to many branches to clearly see. I looked through my binoculars, tried to quickly focus and got a fast glimpse of black stripes on the head. I knew right away, Worm-eating Warbler!!! I love finding these guys. Of course, I lost it right away. There is so much thick undergrowth in the park, I wasn’t sure if I would find it again. I continued on the path and ended up circling back around to where I first saw it, no luck. I walked forward again going towards the lake and taking a different path north. I started getting close to the black fence at the park edge and saw a bird fly a short distance. I got it in my binoculars, and it was a Northern Waterthrush. Sigh. Then I saw something right next to the waterthrush move and there it was! A couple of weak chip notes and it was gone again, flying towards the brush pile at the base of the bluff. I didn’t know if it went in there or continued up the bluff. So, I set up shop by the brush pile and waited. After 15 minutes or so, it popped out and provided some pretty short, decent looks. I was shooting in silent mode on my camera, but I think it still heard or maybe just was knew I was there, because it flew up the bluff a short distance. At that point, I figured I wouldn’t see it anymore. By this time, I had already spent almost 3 hours walking around in the rain. I made one more quick loop through the entire park and most singing had already stopped, so I called it a night. I did find Blue-winged and Hooded Warblers though and ended with 18 warbler species. I missed on the Yellow-throated and Prothonotary Warblers. I guess I will need to wait for a later date with those two. Photos below are from this evening, while rain soaked and a chilly east wind. The pin location below is approximately where I last saw it. Good luck! Enjoy!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/V7ijcXd6hqPuY8Rp9

Kentucky Warbler at Warnimont Park 5/7/23

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In addition to the Loggerhead Shrike, I also found a Kentucky Warbler! It was in the same exact spot as the one last year. I stopped right where the trail 3-ways off and was going to check my phone. The bird pops up and I just assumed it was a Common Yellowthroat, since I heard 2 singing in the area. When it did, it was only 10′ from me. It turned and looked right at me, and I said, “woah, a Kentucky Warbler!” It was so close I didn’t need my binoculars. I sent out the pin location and there were already a few people real close by. The next 15 minutes, it was not to be found. The area is only about a 30′ circle, but it is the thickest most thick garbage to look through! I was wondering if it moved further south without us knowing, so I started walking the path. Within a minute, it had popped back up and showed for everyone. I quickly got back, and I spent the next 2 hours standing there watching it feed and then go down and hide, which I’m guessing it was sleeping. I did the same routine the entire time watching it. I was really trying to get photos of it, but it just would not come out into the open. I suppose watching a Kentucky Warbler feed, at times of only 6′ away is a prize worthy enough. The photos below are the best I could manage in the entire time there. I have a feeling it’s still around and the pin location below is where it was seen. Good luck if you try. Enjoy!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/T9CNoHDsJvJDydRz5

Prairie Warbler along Sheridan Drive

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A Prairie Warbler was found along Sheridan Drive this morning. I left work after I saw the eBird report. I had no idea which part of the drive it was seen, but I know their song very well and figured I would be able to find it. I came in from the north side of the drive and drove slowly south towards Warnimont Park. I had all my windows down and was not able to hear. I turned around at the entrance to Warnimont Park and drove slowly north towards Sheridan Park. About a third of the way up and I heard the song one time. I parked and got out. I walked towards the tree line on the west side of the drive and searched. For the next 5 minutes, I didn’t hear it again. I started walking a little north and all of a sudden, I heard him! Then I heard the song again and I finally tracked him down. I love the Prairie Warbler and their song. They are rather rare for the state, but we have been pretty lucky with them the last few years. I watched him for 20 minutes or so and left to finish up a few things at work. I figured I would come back in the late afternoon, when the sun isn’t as high or as harsh. I got back to Sheridan Drive around 3:30pm. I walked to where I last saw him and waited. I didn’t hear much of anything, so started walking north. A couple other people had joined me in search of him, as well. We were talking, when I heard him sing. I looked in the direction of the song and found him at eye level 30′ away. I pointed him out to the others, and we followed him a bit to the north. The midges are already out, so there are plenty of insects to snack on. He was just feeding in the leafed-out shrubs, on the west side of the tree line. He put on a very good show for a few minutes, providing some excellent views for us. I will give a pin location to where I saw it. With the weather pattern not being very good the next few days, I imagine it will stick around. Photos below are from the afternoon. Enjoy!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RMm1SDw8Z9xW1nj67

Painted Redstart… in Wisconsin??? YES!

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A Painted Redstart was found Sunday afternoon at Spring Green Preserve in Sauk County. I heard this was our 3rd state record! I didn’t think I would have time to get out there this week with work, but I finished everything I had to do Monday by 1pm and headed out. I arrived there just after 3pm. According to a pin dropped for a location to the bird, it was just over a mile walk to get there. Once I got to the approximate location, I stopped and listened. Sure enough, there it was, calling from the treetops. It took several minutes to find it after hearing it. The majority of the time, he hung out in the same tree, however he also moved around quite a bit. It was reported that it would disappear at times this morning, so when it took off towards the north, I followed it. I watched it go up the bluff and lost it. I walked back in there and up the bluff and relocated it about 100 yards farther up. From there, he went back to his favorite tree. I stayed up on the bluff and waited to see if he would come back. After 15 minutes or so, he flew back towards the bluff. When he came back towards me, he would feed on the trunks of the trees, sometimes going close to the ground, flash his tail around and flit about as if he was trying to attract attention, which unfortunately there won’t be any around for him. I noticed that he had this pattern, so I just stood up there for over 3 hours waiting from him to go back and forth. I was rewarded with some pretty decent views, although trying to capture photos was very difficult, he was extremely fast. Plus, there were branches everywhere and I was looking into the light, most of the times. Thankfully, clouds came in and cut down on the harsh light. This is an absolutely stunning bird! I’m really glad I was able to get out there this afternoon. I will provide a pin below, to his favorite tree, which is about 100′ off the trail to the east. Good luck if you try for it! He seems perfectly content with where he is. Photos below are from Monday afternoon/evening. Enjoy!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/n4PA44iLRHHH9gez9

Louisiana Waterthrush at Grant Park 4/11/23

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Late Monday evening, a Louisiana Waterthrush was found singing along the creek. It was in the creek that runs northwest from Seven Bridges at Grant Park. On Tuesday, I left work around 1130am, as I wanted to try for it. This is one of my favorite warblers and can be easily missed in spring. They usually pass through our area from middle to late April. As I was walking down the stairs, I saw one of my friends, who had just seen it up the creek. I made my way up and found it all the way towards Lake Dr. It then circled around me and went down creek. It was not very cooperative at first. I spent three hours waiting for it in several spots, before finally getting some close, excellent looks at it. I watched it feed for quite a while and it amazes me how it can grab the teeny tiny worms from a fast moving creek. It happens so fast, and I would not have known it was catching them without capturing it on photo. It was seen again early this morning, but several others failed to relocate it after that. There are a few creeks in that area, so it’s possible it just moved to another one. Seven Bridges has a lot of foot traffic, especially when the weather is nice, like the last few days. The coordinates below are approximately where I watched it for the majority of the time. It also came back to this location several times. Good luck if you try for it. Photos below are from mid-day Tuesday. Enjoy!

42.924494, -87.848741

Worm-eating Warbler, Northern Waterthrush & Ovenbird in May ’22

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Worm-eating Warbler is uncommon in Wisconsin. However, I think Milwaukee County has gotten one the last several years. This year I saw two! One was along a creek at Whitnall Park (5/9), and the other was singing at Warnimont Park (5/15) in the wooded area, east of hole #6. I was able to track down the one at Warnimont and sneak quietly within 25′ of him. I watched him eat spiders, caterpillars and midges, and was also constantly singing. The song is a dry, almost insect-like trill, similar to Chipping Sparrow. It was very hard to get wide open views of him though, as he stayed very low and in patches of thick brush. I still managed decent photos considering the thickets and it was the first time I was able to get one singing, which I love. Northern Waterthrush & Ovenbird are very common in Wisconsin, especially in Milwaukee County during migration. On 5/1, I had 10 Northern Waterthrush and 9 on 5/10, both at Whitnall Park. They can be found anywhere near any kind of water. They are usually singing throughout the entire day. There are many variations of the song, but for the most part it is a loud, ringing, three-part sweet sweet sweet swee wee wee chew chew chew chew. I find that they are very skittish, unless you’re standing still, and they fly and land near you. As soon as you move though, so do they. As for Ovenbird, I had 7 on 5/9 and 6 on 5/10, both at Whitnall Park as well. Ovenbird is found walking the forest floor, picking through leaves and downed branches, looking for insects. They sing a rather loud song, starting quieter and getting louder with each note. It is a rapid, resounding tea-cher, Tea-cher, TEA-cher, TEA-CHER. The photos below were taken in May. Enjoy!

Worm-eating Warbler

Northern Waterthrush

Ovenbird