[EBB Sightings] A Five Warbler Morning

Dear Birders:

Evidently the warblers (and other migrantss) at Jewel Lake hadn't gotten the word that migration is slowing down.  We inched along Upper Pack Rat trail and saw new birds at every turn.  Probably the most seen species of the morning were Brown Creepers and Townsend's Warblers but the group was thrilled to get good looks at a Hermit Warbler and a Black-chinned Gray Warbler. One of the earlier birders to join us part way through also saw a Yellow Warbler.  The last warbler in a willow fast shedding its leaves was identified, after much consideration, as a first-winter Orange-crowned Warbler.

We also saw several Pacific Slope Flycatchers and a Warbling Vireo (along with its vocal cousin the resident Hutton's Vireo).  Winter arrivals are slow to arrive but we did hear the familiar scold of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and several vocalizations from the Northern Flicker.

Birds or no, what a glorious early October morning to be out in the park.  But the lake, shrinking into puddle dimensions, is ready for a good rain.

--Phila Rogers