Monday, May 18, 2009

Lifers at Magee Marsh

I got two Life Birds (birds I've seen for the first time in my life) at Magee Marsh this weekend. The first one, I got with the help of Bill of the Birds, aka BT3, Bill Thompson, III, editor of the birding magazine Bird Watcher's Digest, book author, trip leader extraordinaire, vice-president of the Ohio Ornithological Society, and all-around great birder. It was a Philadelphia Vireo, and here is the photographic evidence:

The second one I saw without Bill.

Kirtland's Warbler*

Now, you be the judge - is it better to go birdin' with Bill, or without him?

[Did I mention that Bill is also a really good sport?]

* * * * *

*For the non-birders who read this blog, the Kirtland's Warbler is an extremely rare bird, which only breeds in one small place in Michigan and which is very, very difficult to find anywhere but on those breeding grounds. To see one in Ohio is a really, really big deal. The expert trip leaders who help get us on this bird have concluded that he is a young male, so he isn't quite as showy as a full adult male would be. I'm still very, very happy to have seen him, and to have gotten a definitive photo.

The Philadelphia Vireo, in contrast, is much more common, has a much wider distribution range, and is much easier to see. I am no less happy to have picked up this bird. This brings the total number of Life Birds Bill has gotten for me to four. Thanks, Bill!

5 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

NO WAAAAY!!!
I was razzing you when you said you might get a Kirtland's.
I can't believe you got it.

HURRAY!!!
(tiny bit of envy here....)

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

BTW- nice shot of the vireo.
:P

Beth said...

WOW! Kirtland's! I am pea-green with envy! Congrats. I hope you did the life bird wiggle with an extra special twist for the Kirtland's.

Beth

Lisa said...

And did you give your little sister credit for preventing you from mis-spelling the bird name and embarrassing yourself? no, you did not. Hmph. See if I ever save you from yourself again.

Dawn Fine said...

Wow..jealous jealous..that is what I am..of both of those birds! but a Kirtlands..Excellent..I loved your first photo of the philly warb! tee hee