White-throated sparrow

Hmmm, white throats and yellow rumps, almost sounds like an affliction.  Much to my dismay, I haven’t had the opportunity to get to the park much this month.  People have been reporting that it’s pretty slow as far as fall migration this year compared to most, including the banders and that was my experience when I was down there on Tuesday, at least initially.  I walked one of my favorite trails, Duck Pond Trail, and while I heard lots of robins and a few chickadees it was otherwise quiet.  That is, until I headed back towards my car.  Coming back down the trail, not 10 minutes after I had walked up, I heard some calls that sounded to me like a common yellow throat chip note and the very distinct song of the white-throated sparrow.  The light was starting to fade but I was able to enjoy a nice show of yellow-rumped warblers and white-throated sparrows as they fed and dashed about in a small tree growing in a marshy area right at the edge of the trail.  I also watched a group of robins splish-splashing in the heavily shaded pool under the tree.  They would take turns jumping into the water and then jumping out to dry off and preen.  Unfortunately, it was too dark to get any shots of the bathing robins so I can only share by telling you that it was an enjoyable show.  I did, however,  get a few shots of the sparrows and warblers to share with you.

This guy's got a nice white-throat and prominent yellow lores.

Yellow-rumped warbler, non-breeding plumage

Well,  I’m heading out to do some more shooting now.  I just read a book on close up/macro photography by Bryan Peterson, Understanding Close Up Photography, so I have to go try out some new techniques:)    I have several of Bryan Peterson’s books and highly recommend them for anyone wanting to learn more about photography in an entertaining yet educational and easy to follow format.