Birding WNY | Chirps and Cheeps

Photos of a Connecticut Warbler Published: September 22, 2025 Tags: Rarities, connecticut warbler, conw, sinking ponds, east aurora, migration, skulky, spishing I've always hoped to get decent photos of a Connecticut Warbler, a secretive and skulky warbler that is really tough to photograph. Finally, it happened! I went for a leisurely stroll through Sinking Ponds in East Aurora yesterday and was literally stunned when a Connecticut Warbler popped up in response to my spishing. I mean, I stared at it for seconds before it started to sink-in that I was looking at the holy grail of warblers! It took another couple of seconds for my body to respond to my brain telling it to return to the car for my camera. All the way to my car and back I was kicking myself for leaving the camera behind. What were the odds a Connecticut Warbler would be there?! Then I was worried it wouldn't pop back out for a photo. This species is known to just "disappear" after being seen once. Once back at the spot, I spished again and, wonder of wonders, the bird popped back out from the brush. Amazing! I grabbed as many photos as the bird allowed and was finally able to breathe again... Phew! You just never know what migration magic will happen! My favorite of the few photos I got Despite its reputation, it really didn't seem that wary. Just look at that full, bold eyering! I believe this is our largest warbler for the region Changing branches Nibbling at something Add a Comment »

Photos of a Connecticut Warbler

Published: September 22, 2025
Tags: Rarities, connecticut warbler, conw, sinking ponds, east aurora, migration, skulky, spishing

I've always hoped to get decent photos of a Connecticut Warbler, a secretive and skulky warbler that is really tough to photograph. Finally, it happened!

I went for a leisurely stroll through Sinking Ponds in East Aurora yesterday and was literally stunned when a Connecticut Warbler popped up in response to my spishing. I mean, I stared at it for seconds before it started to sink-in that I was looking at the holy grail of warblers! It took another couple of seconds for my body to respond to my brain telling it to return to the car for my camera. All the way to my car and back I was kicking myself for leaving the camera behind. What were the odds a Connecticut Warbler would be there?! Then I was worried it wouldn't pop back out for a photo. This species is known to just "disappear" after being seen once.

Once back at the spot, I spished again and, wonder of wonders, the bird popped back out from the brush. Amazing! I grabbed as many photos as the bird allowed and was finally able to breathe again... Phew! You just never know what migration magic will happen!