Warbler Walk

I had a spectacular birding day in the Central Park today! It was the most incredible collection of warblers and migrating birds that I have ever seen at once. I saw eight species of warblers (including non-wood warblers, such as yellowthroats and waterthrushes) and other beautiful spring birds as well (such as a tanager and orioles). The birds were so breathtaking that I walked approximately thirty yards in as many minutes. When I turned home, I was amazed to find that I had backtracked through my complete half hour walk in three minutes!

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As I arrived at the North Woods, I stepped out of the city rush and into the quiet, cool expanse of the Ravine. Within thirty seconds I had morphed from a hurried New Yorker into an excited, slightly hyperventilating, crazed birder. I saw a gorgeously decorated Black-throated Green Warbler and two male Black-throated Blues in under a minute. A group of school kids ran past the baseball field, unaffected by the calming influence of the vernal castle which is the North Woods. I heard them yelling to each other, “What’s she staring at?” and I smiled at their questions as I gazed, spell-bound, through my binoculars. If only they knew the beauty which they were running past.

Here is my list of birds seen today. I have omitted the more common birds, such as House Sparrows and Robins. Please excuse my prejudice (and “lister” tendencies).

Listed in order of appearance (the stared birds are lifers):

Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Ovenbird
*Northern Waterthrush
Veery (also heard singing ethereally)
*Magnolia Warbler
*Possible Nashville Warbler (unidentified due to inexperience with species and lack of skill and good ol’ Peterson’s)
Black and White Warbler
Baltimore Oriole
Female Scarlet/Summer Tanager (I was deeply regretting leaving Peterson’s behind at this time!)

Not only did I have a wonderful walk today (with two IDed life birds!), I also learned several ID tips and gained some new experiences. I never before noticed the lovely spot of rufous which rests on the female Common Yellowthroat’s olive crown, heard the beauteous Veery’s song, or recognized the difference between a Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush (I am still figuring this one out). I am thankful for these experiences, but most of all, I value the calming effects that spring and a good walk have on me; the quiet excitement that warblers emanate; and the beauty of all birds, who radiate their gift of loveliness without receiving anything in return except a contented smile.