ML487091721

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Digiscope photos. I decided to check a spot specifically for Connecticut Warbler, where I had fond one last year on 10 & 11 October. I realized that checking on or around those dates made some sense, but I was “in the neighborhood”, and thought I’d give it a try, especially since this seems like a prime date window for this species. Though I really had very low expectations of actually finding one. Initially, it was completely dead, with hardly a bird seen or heard, and I was about to give up after only 10-15 minutes. Then I began hearing 'zeep' flight calls, which sounded distinct from 'zeep' calls of more common warblers. I approached the area, and lo and behold, a bird suddenly popped up to a low branch, seemingly out of nowhere, that I instantly recognized as a Connecticut Warbler. It was at the exact same spot I had found one last year, perhaps perching on some of the same perches, and at least within a couple of meters of one perch I remembered. It was an extremely drab individual, appearing to be a hatch-year bird, so not likely the same individual I had seen last year. I had amazing looks at the bird for a few minutes, on exposed perches less than 10m from me. After a few minutes, the bird flew away. I went back to my car to get my spotting scope and phone to try to digiscope some photos, which seemed possible due to how viewable the bird was. I was able to re-locate the bird, and miraculously, I was actually able to get some digiscope shots, though lighting was not great, and for some of the closest and sharpest views in the scope, I couldn’t get my phone on it in time. My initial recognition of the bird was due largely to shape, beak, and behavioral movements. The bird struck me as a relatively large warbler and especially very plump, more plump than a Mourning Warbler or Common Yellowthroat. The tail appeared relatively short, and long undertail coverts likely added to this effect, reaching about 2/3 of the way to the tip. This contrasts with the “effective” tail lengths of the above species, which give me the impression of more “typical” warbler tails. The long undertail coverts were yellow, and the brightest yellow on the entire bird. The beak was uniquely shaped and very long. The beak also had a pinkish tone, especially at the base and lower mandible. The bird also gave the impression of being long-legged, and more long-legged than similar species. The bird had a brownish head, and brownish coloration extending down the breast, at times giving the vague impression of a “hood”, though it was really not a very distinct hood, lacking a clearly defined border. The throat was a somewhat contrasted buffy or peachy color. The belly was a dull yellowish. The bird appeared to have a complete white eye-ring, though not terribly bold compared to some individuals, and not appearing all that prominent in some views. The upperparts were a dull olive-greenish-brown. I watched the bird off and on for the better part of an hour, largely within 5-10m of me. The bird never produced a single chip note, at least that I detected, however, it did produce a good number of 'zeep' flight calls (while perched). Hearing them “live”, I was surprised how distinct these 'zeep' calls were from other warblers that produce 'zeep' calls, like Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Magnolia, etc., etc. Note that other warblers with similar plumage, such as Mourning and Common Yellowthroat, do not produce 'zeep' flight calls.

Technical information

Model

iPhone 13

Lens

iPhone 13 back dual wide camera 5.1mm f/1.6

ISO

125

Focal length

5.1 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.6

Shutter speed

1/71 sec

Dimensions

4032 pixels x 3024 pixels

Original file size

1.76 MB