Fall Migrants!

Daylight is shortening and many birds are heading south. The following birds were all viewed in Canatara Park this week as they took a break for food and rest during migration.

Eastern Wood-Pewee: When several flycatcher species live in the same forest, the Eastern Wood-Pewee tends to forage higher in the trees than the Least and Acadian Flycatchers, but lower than the Great Crested Flycatcher.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Wood-Pewee/overview

Red-eyed Vireo: They have an internal compass which guides migration. However, fat stores seem to influence migration paths when the birds reach the Gulf of Mexico. Fatter birds head across the the Gulf, while leaner birds hug the coastline or travel inland around the Gulf. Cloud cover also makes routes near land more likely.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/overview

Great Egrets

One of these things is not like the others. One morning, the Great Blue Heron had to share Lake Chipican with at least 4 Great Egrets!

Black-throated Green Warbler

Bay-breasted Warbler

Warblers are known for their quick, flighty movements. Add tree leaves to the mix and they can be tricky to photograph! The only clear shot of this Black and White Warbler that I was able to manage, was the tail end!

Nashville Warbler

Tennessee Warbler

American Redstart 

If you look closely, the American Redstart has her eye on a juicy spider, hanging on the underside of the maple leaf.

In a flash, the Redstart ate the spider for her next snack.