Chirps and Cheeps

Thrushes, Scarlet Tanager, and Red-eyed Vireo at Stiglmeier Park

Published: May 14, 2013
Tags: Parks and Preserves, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Northern Flicker, Killdeer, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird

Thrushes abounded at Stiglmeier Park today. I finally found my very first Veery (and then some!) and I spotted many individuals of at least one or two other thrush species as well: a Swainson's Thrush and most probably a Hermit Thrush.

Today also brought my FOY Red-eyed Vireo and Scarlet Tanagers. The first tanager was a gorgeous male who sang heartily. Later, I enjoyed watching a female catch her lunch.

Warblers were scarce; I only found Yellow, Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green warblers.

A hummingbird darted into view and was quickly gone. Luckily, I was able to grab a photo of it, which shows a black throat. It's a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, however; the lighting is such that the coloring isn't properly reflected. As an FYI: we don't have any other species of hummingbirds in our WNY region - only the Ruby-throated.

On my way out of the park, I saw a lone Killdeer in the grass by the parking area. For some reason, I love these little guys and their squeaky, shrill voices.

Baltimore Oriole

This is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The lighting is giving the illusion of a black throat.

Gray Catbird

Northern Flicker (my favorite pic of the day)

Wood Duck - I startled 2 males as I rounded a bend in the path

Red-eyed Vireo

Scarlet Tanager (male)

Scarlet Tanager (female)

Mrs. Scarlet Tanager catches lunch

Swainson's Thrush

Veery (and a lifer!)

Veery

Hermit Thrush (probably)

Killdeer

Reply from: Joel on 5/15/2013 4:56 AM

Sue, where did you go in Losson Park? My kids and I usually stick to the wooded path near the playground that abuts Reinstein Woods. I'd love to see a scarlet tanager! Where's the best place to go while there?

Reply from: Sue on 5/15/2013 5:29 AM

Hi Joel, I pulled in to the park from Losson and went around to the parking area on the right, past the office. There's a little playground with a yellow slide on that side. I went in on Timberland Trail. The tanagers weren't all that far in - maybe 10 minutes walking-time. He was beautiful and high up in a tree, though, so listen for his song to find him. Good luck - hope you get to see him!

Reply from: Norm Schueckler on 5/15/2013 9:54 AM

Outstanding pictures. Just saw my first hummingbird of the season feeding at my feeder and Coral Bells off my front porch, yup the throat looks spectacular in the sunlight. So sad, I can never Orioles to come to my house, like your picture. I often see Tanager's on a gravel trail I bike on called the "greenway" along the Genesee River.

Reply from: Sue on 5/17/2013 5:52 AM

Thank you, Norm! (NORM?! Hi!) A little grape jelly might get those orioles to your home feeders. That's cool about the Scarlet Tanagers you get to see; they're a gorgeous bird! Thanks for your comment! ~ Sue

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