May 22 sightings

Hi friends,

The Kirtland's was not to be relocated today at the wildlife beach, but an orange-crowned warbler was seen. There have been a couple reports of Connecticut and Mourning warblers at the boardwalk, and Mary was able to locate one on the west stretch of the walking trail behind the SPMBC, near the first bench. Here is a link to the walking trails behind the SPMBC, courtesy of the Friends website:

http://www.friendsofmageemarsh.org/maps/Magee_Marsh_2008.pdf

These birds are skulkers that are very difficult to get a good look at, especially during this spring with its thick vegetative growth so early in the spring. The brush pile on the north side of the boardwalk near #15-16 on the boardwalk are usually good to check for Mourning or Connecticut. A couple black-billed cuckoos were seen at the boardwalk, as well as a decent variety of warblers in relatively small numbers. A gentleman mentioned to me that he heard an Alder flycatcher while traveling down the causeway, so flycatcher numbers may be increasing into tomorrow. Today's movement of birds into the area wasn't quite as good as I thought they might be, but south winds are anticipated overnight. Let's keep our fingers crossed for tomorrow!