Worm-eating Warbler Allegan Co. 5-3-09

[Rick Brigham]

Greetings,

While leading a birding group on the two-track west of Swan Creek in the
Allegan State Game Area this morning I heard and then spotted a Worm-eating
Warbler. It took some time to zero in on the this gorgeous bird and I was
relieved to visually confirm it was what I thought. The Pine Warbler-like
liquid start to its song with the remainder being somewhat the dry trill of
a Chipping Sparrow can easily lead to confusion with these two other
species.

This route runs north between 118th Ave and 121st Ave along the wooded high
bank west of the creek. Its advisable to travel this in a vehicle with good
ground clearance as there are more ruts in the road than there were last
year. I did not measure the distance from 118th, but judge it to be
approximately 1/4 mile to the point where the bird was. Another two-track
branches off to the left just 100ft prior to the location. There is a
parking spot at this junction where a vehicle can be left while you continue
on foot.  Of course, morning is best for finding this bird as we were unable
to relocate it in the warm doldrums of the afternoon.

Other specialties of this route that were present in multiples today:
Louisiana Waterthrush, Cerulean Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler,
Yellow-throated Vireo and Red-shouldered Hawk.

Good birding,
Rick Brigham
Douglas MI
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