Warblers on a short trip to Florida

Nashville Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 16, 2024

Blackpoll Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

We just took a short trip down to Florida to celebrate a relatives 100th birthday and I got some birding too...managing to find several rarities. I arrived into Fort Lauderdale in the mid afternoon and by the time we made the drive north to Wellington and then stopped for dinner it was almost dark. All was not lost for warblers as I did manage to see a few ‘western’ Palm Warblers at the spot we had dinner.

Yellow throated Warbler, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Northern Parula, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Northern Waterthrush, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Northern Waterthrush, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Prairie Warbler, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

American Redstart, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Pine Warbler, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Common Yellowthroat, Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area, Royal Palm Beach, FL, Nov 15, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area, Royal Palm Beach, FL, Nov 15, 2024

The first full morning in Florida was spent in the Wellington area with a early morning stop at Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area where I had four species of warblers including a hundred plus Yellow rumped Warblers steadily moving through. After about an hour and a half covering a small area (due to few trails being well maintained) I headed back toward our lodging. We then headed to nearby Peaceful Waters Sanctuary  before heading to the birthday party. This stop produced a total of nine species of warblers. Among the nine was a Northern Waterthrush with an injured leg and a unique set of two white marks on its back. The bird seemed to be feeding fine despite the injury and hopefully it will survive. We then went to the birthday party midday and after a few hours there we starts the couple hour drive up to Melbourne Beach, where we arrived around dinner time. 

Nashville Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 16, 2024

Palm Warbler 'western', Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 16, 2024

Northern Parula, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 16, 2024

Common Yellowthroat, Sebastian Inlet SP, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 16, 2024

On the first full day in Melbourne Beach I was out before dawn and headed to Sebastian Inlet SP primarily looking for a rare to the area Sabine’s Gull (which I did not find). I had a few warblers with nothing unusual among them…not too surprising as I was not in good warbler habitat. I stayed near the inlet until Pelican Island NWR opened for the day. I arrived there around 7:30 and did some roadside birding near the Centennial Trail.  Although I only had five species of warbler at the spot I did find one rarity with a Nashville Warbler in a mixed flock. The Nashville Warbler was a new species for me in Florida (bringing my state warbler total to 24 species). I then tried another area of the refuge (Bird's Impoundment Trail) and this spot was quite productive for warblers with half a dozen species including some new ones for the day. The big highlight here was not a warbler but a Dark eyed Junco I found which is a big rarity this far south and perhaps a first county record in Indian River County. A couple other short walks around midday produced a few more warblers and brought my day total to ten species. 

Cape May Warbler, Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

Yellow throated Warbler, Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

Black and White Warbler, Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

Nashville Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

Common Yellowthroat, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

Cape May Warbler, Sebastian Inlet SP, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

Hooded Warbler, Sebastian Inlet SP, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 17, 2024

The second full day out on the coast found me heading south again to explore some areas of the Jungle Trail (a dirt road actually) where some unusual warblers have recently been seen. As it was before daybreak when I was ready to go I made a detour to Sebastian Inlet before going to the Jungle Trail trying in vain again to find the reported Sabine’s Gull there. I eventually headed to the Jungle Trail a bit after seven. I arrived to find it a bit breezy so not optimal for finding warblers. Nonetheless I started looking and came across a few warblers scattered here and there with no real mixed flocks. I did have some luck with my first Ovenbird of the trip. The noise from a nearby maintenance yard and a Cooper’s Hawk sitting among the tangles probably added to the lack of warblers. I almost gave up on the area and then noticed a group of Palm Warblers and then a couple other species including my first Black and White Warbler for the trip. I then turned up more and more species with Yellow throated Warbler and then three Cape May Warblers and then a Bay breasted Warbler. I got photos of a few of the species and then a Broad winged Hawk came in and ruined the party. I eventually got back on some of the flock further up the road but never could track down the Bay breasted Warbler again which was too bad as this was a new warbler species for me in Florida (bringing me to 25 species). After an hour and half in a relatively small area producing nine species of warblers I headed north a bit and turned up the Nashville Warbler at Pelican Island NWR once again. I then made a couple more stops with the last being back to Sebastian Inlet SP where I finally had luck seeing the Sabine’s Gull. Once I got photos of the gull I worked some of the edges and came up with more warblers. I could hear a Northern Waterthrush and there was a bird photographer there using playback and getting no response. He walked away and then I just stayed put and got looks at the waterthrush.  As I was watching it I noticed a yellow bird fly in that turned out to be a Hooded Warbler! A good late record and a nice addition to the day. I then headed back to the lodging for lunch before we headed out in the afternoon with the intention to do some kayaking. Unfortunately the nearby spot we used before no longer rented kayaks so we had some ice cream instead! We then spent the rest of the afternoon at the lodging on the beach and I added a life bird for the effort with a Cory’s Shearwater (yes somehow I have not had the species before now). By the end of the day I had found 14 species of warblers.

Cape May Warbler, Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

Black throated Green Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

Blackpoll Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

Nashville Warblers, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

Orange crowned Warbler, Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

Palm Warbler 'western', Pelican Island NWR, Vero Beach, FL, Nov 18, 2024

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Moss Park, Orlando, FL, Nov 18, 2024

The last day of our short trip started off as the last couple have, with me heading south in search of warblers. My first stop for warblers was along the Jungle Trail in a vain attempt to relocate the Bay breasted Warbler seen previously. Although I had no luck with the Bay breasted Warbler I did have a Hooded Warbler that offered fleeting views as it stayed in a dense tangle and called quite a bit. I had to be happy with some recordings. There were at least two Cape May Warblers in the area too among a total of seven species at the location. I then headed a bit north to Pelican Island NWR to spend my last hour and a half free before packing up and heading out. I arrived and started looking for the continued Nashville Warbler and ended up finding two of the species moving together. I then turned up another unusual species with a Blackpoll Warbler (my third new warbler species for my Florida list on this trip). I found a number of other species as I walked the road including my first Black throated Green Warbler of the trip. I wish I had more time to explore a bit more as it was fairly active. We had to be out of our lodging by ten so headed back, packed up and started the drive toward Orlando for our flight. The original plan was to go to the Orlando Wetlands Park but when checking directions to there noticed it was closed on Mondays so we had to come up with an alternative. We picked the wildlife drive at Merritt Island NWR until we discovered that location was also closed for the day. After a bit of discussion we headed to Viera to the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands . This location proved to be very slow with not a lot of activity…a far cry from what I remember from visits several years ago. We then headed further north and then east to try Moss Park before heading to the airport. Not a lot of variety at the location with typical species like Yellow rumped Warblers, Pine Warblers and Palm Warblers (with both subspecies present). By the end of the day I had found 14 species of warblers, matching my total from the previous day. I started feeling a little off and thought it might be something I ate. I didn’t feel much better as the day wore on and I was very glad to get the flight over with and get home. I took it easy the next day and felt better. 

Although it was a short getaway I still had some good luck with warblers with 18 species, including three new ones for me in Florida with Nashville Warbler, Bay breasted Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler. My Florida warbler list now sits at 26 species.

Just two warbler species for the first week of November despite some record setting heat

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Nov 5, 2024

Although I spent a lot of time looking for late warblers I was unable to come up with any additional species beyond two (Yellow rumped Warbler and Palm Warbler) I found to begin the month.  The weather started off seasonal and then warmed to record setting temps toward the end of the first week.  I had to work on a few days through the week but nonetheless I still was able to bird at least a little every day thanks to the earlier sunrise times with the return to standard time.  Yellow rumped Warbler was the most frequently found warbler (as expected for November) and they continued in dwindling numbers at a few locations.  I also turned up at least three Palm Warblers for the period.  In addition I had fleeting glimpse at another warbler that I was never able to pin down for an ID and was certainly the 'one that got a away' for the week.  I will continue to spend time checking areas for warblers as the month wears on and with a lot of luck I will turn up something noteworthy.  

First couple days of November

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Nov 1, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Nov 1, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Wentworth Farm Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Nov 1, 2024

I started off November (as expected) concentrating on trying to find warblers.  I got out of an overtime shift to start the month and immediately headed to a few areas that had featured warblers to end the month of October.  It was a bit windy but still warm with temps that started in the low to mid 60's so quite warm when the normal high now is in the upper 50's!  Eventually it warmed well into the 70's and set another record.  My stops in Amherst yielded several Yellow rumped Warblers as well as at least two Palm Warblers plus another unidentified warbler that I only got brief looks at that was likely something unusual.  Sadly I only got a brief look at a fairly bright yellow bird that flushed up from a goldenrod field and never reappeared.

For the second I was out once again checking a variety of other areas for warblers and only came up with Yellow rumped Warblers (and few of those).  The cooler temps with a breeze certainly didn't help my quest.  

October comes to an end

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 30, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 30, 2024

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Oct 30, 2024

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 29, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 29, 2024

October is ending on a warm note with much above temperatures once again (the end of the month post is today as I have to work overtime tomorrow).  Most of the month featured good to great migration conditions, little rain and warmer temps overall.  I ended the month with 18 species of warblers in total in Hampshire County.  November will bring the possibility of a rare warbler showing up plus hopefully some lingering species.  The only really expected species moving forward will be Yellow rumped Warbler, which will also dwindle to few around by the end of the month.  I spent the last couple days I could bird trying to pin down locations for warblers to start off November on the right foot.

More warblers on a few more very warm days for late October

Common Yellowthroat, Amherst, MA, Oct 22, 2024

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Amherst, MA, Oct 22, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Amherst, MA, Oct 22, 2024

Blackpoll Warbler, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Oct 22, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Amherst, MA, Oct 23, 2024

The last couple days have featured near record heat with highs in the upper 70's to low 80's and sunny conditions which continued the record heat we had to end the third week of October.  I have been out each morning trying to track down late warblers and had some decent luck yesterday with a total of five species including a Common Yellowthroat and a Nashville Warbler for late ones.  I had less luck today with breezy conditions making viewing a bit more of a chore and I had just two species for the day (Yellow rumped Warblers and a couple Palm Warblers).  Tomorrow looks to feature cooler temps and north winds following a cold front so I don't anticipate anything unusual for warblers.

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle' and Dark eyed Junco, Home, Belchertown, MA, Oct 23, 2024

I also captured what will likely be the last warbler of the year at the water feature today with a Yellow rumped Warbler.  I'll have a summary of all the warbler species at the water feature in the annual year end wrap up.

A few late warblers to end the third week of October

Nashville Warbler, Amherst, MA, Oct 19, 2024

Black throated Green Warbler, Amherst, MA, Oct 16, 2024

Common Yellowthroat, Amherst, MA, Oct 16, 2024

Tennessee Warbler, Amherst, MA, Oct 15, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 16, 2024

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Amherst, MA, Oct 17, 2024

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Amherst, MA, Oct 19, 2024

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Amherst, MA, Oct 21, 2024 

As the third week of October comes to an end on a rather warm note the diversity of warblers continue to drop with mainly just Yellow rumped Warblers around with just a smattering of other species.  The weather has been overall very pleasant with steadily warming temperatures with abundant sunshine with a near record high today in the mid 70's.  The mornings have been quite cold but the sun has increasing resulted in warmer days.  Between my time at work I have been out tracking down warblers in the hopes of finding late/lingering species and perhaps a rarity.  I have caught up with a few late warblers including a Black throated Green Warbler on the 16th and a Nashville Warbler on 19th.  I managed to track down eight species for the third week including my first Orange crowned Warbler of the fall.  

Wilson after surgery, Home, Belchertown, MA, Oct 19, 2024

Wilson had to have another surgery on Saturday to get a few masses removed and he continues to recover.  We will have to wait and see if any of them are cancer...certainly hope not.