April 23, 2011 Middle Creek

I just wanted to note the first warbler of the spring. I went to Middle Creek Elementary to see the Blue Haron nesting site. Observed at least 27 active nests. Other birds included mallard ducks, song sparrows, chipping sparrows and a yellow warbler. At first I thought I was hearing a water thrush. I could not make a visual. It turned out to be a yellow warbler. I was a little confused by the longer slurring of the first three notes and the elusivness. I never have problems spotting a yellow warbler. This is the same location where I saw the Lousiana water thrush last year. Anyway, I pulled up the water thrush on birding by ear and got no response. When I played the yellow warbler immediately the bird flew into view.