Red-eyed Vireo

Species: Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous)
Family: Vireonidae
Date: 7.13.15

Observation:

Getting a photograph of a Red-eyed Vireo seems remarkably challenging given the fact that they can be heard singing throughout the day.  The male here was pausing to sing as it foraged in the top of one of the large tree on the north end of the lawn.  In the background you can hear a Black-capped Chickadee and one of the many annoying mosquitoes. (I apologize - the mosquito sound is very distracting)


A Fact:

The male Red-eyed Vireo sometimes sings more than 20,000 times in one day.  It is a song worth learning, because you will hear it all the time, even in the middle of the day when most birds are not singing.

Learn more at All About Birds - Red-eyed Vireo

Veery

Species: Veery (Catharus fuscescens)
Family: Turdidae
Date: 6.29.15


      
   

Observation:

We have been treated to singing Veeries all summer long; they are the most noticeable singers at dusk.  Yesterday, I spotted one for the first time as it was feeding with the robins on the lawn during the afternoon.  It hung around for a short time, and perched in view for a brief photo-op.


A Fact from Alice:

Veery can fly up to 160 miles in one night, and they can fly at altitudes up to 1.2 miles.

Learn more at All About Birds - Veery

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Species: Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylanica)
Family: Parulidae
Date: 6.26.15




Observation:

The Chestnut-sided Warbler's song was what drew my attention, and the warbler was kind enough to make an appearance just long enough for me to confirm what type of warbler it was.  I was walking around the backyard with my digital voice recorder, not a camera, so I have uploaded a brief clip of the Chestnut-sided Warbler's song.

A Fact from Annie:

The Chestnut-sided Warbler has become increasingly common over the past 200 years.  It likes to lie in open, second growth forest areas.

Learn more at All About Birds - Chestnut-sided Warbler