Cape Cod Bird Nerd

5.17.16 - Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History - Tuesday Tweets - John Wing Trail Brewster, MA

Tuesday Tweets turns out to be a good way to start your day when the weather is as gorgeous as it was today! There was no wind, we had enough sunshine to warm us as we did our best to catch a glimpse of the Prairie Warbler, who was feeling camera shy. I was able to get one lousy photo (see below), but what'cha gonna do... the balance of getting each and every bird nerd to get a peek at a bird who is teasing our ears, and still keep the walk moving, well... it's a challenge. We all did get to HEAR him and I like to believe, now every one who was on the walk today knows the song of the Prairie Warbler. The best way I can describe with words how it sounds, is that the notes take an upward spiral as he sings... maybe you've heard it yourself elsewhere. Learning bird calls is a game in itself. There is a fantastic game: Bird Song Hero on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website, which is an expansive & fabulous wealth of information & research & knowledge as well. I feel I could spend a month on their website and still be learning... I sneak in what I can & it's my go to website to answer my own questions as well as other bird nerd's questions.

If you were on our walk today and were fortunate enough to continue on to Cape Cod Bay - hopefully you also saw some of the birds that Rick was able to photograph. His images are truly spectacular and this hobby of his is of professional caliber. Rick generously and selflessly shares the photos with me so I can post them here and I can't tell you how appreciative of that I am. I'm so grateful! Wildlife photography, any photography, requires an enormous time commitment. His dedication to it allows us to get up close & personal via his lens & talent. Thanks again & again Rick!!! Photo credits as listed below. (double click photos to enlarge)

Our List:
European Starling
House Sparrow
American Robin
Song Sparrow
Osprey
Northern Cardinal
Barn Swallow
Yellow Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Great Black-backed Gull
Eastern Towhee
Mourning Dove
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Goldfinch
Common Yellowthroat