April 25, 2011 Nauvoo

Walked Nauvoo today and saw some good birds. First I observed one bluebird box with 5 eggs. Another next was in a tree cavity. Other boxes that usually hold house wrens currently are not occupied.
The wak in the woods along the stream that passes behind the house yeilded good views of the following:
Hooded Warbler, Northern Water Thrushes, Yellow Throated Vereo, and Yellow Rumped Warblers were all seen within 50 yards of eachother. In addition I saw scarlet tanagers, a wood thrush, and many more common birds. In a 2 hour span I probably saw 25-30 species. Weather was warm with partly cloudy skies. It was a great walk.

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.