Once in a Blue Moon: Chasing the Elusive Connecticut Warbler
Hmmm, could I please trade five dozen Butterbutts for just one Connecticut?
May is the glory month for the increasing number of us addicted to the pursuit of birdwatching. The peak of the songbird migration occurs in mid to late May including, in particular, the brightly coloured, hyperactive members of the warbler family.
Bird enthusiasts are usually delighted to spot any warbler. But there are a few that are particularly prized because they are uncommon to rare in these parts. If, for example, the call of one of these five warblers is detected, the pulse of all birdwatchers in the area begins to race.
zray-zray-zray-zee
Perhaps you are thinking: That’s not the most elegant of songs. No matter, as it signals a Cerulean Warbler. Males of this rarely seen warbler sport a two tone suit of ashy blue above and white below. Black side streaks and a black chest stripe complete their attire. You’ll get warbler neck trying to spot this sprite as it hangs out high in the woodland canopy.
weeta wee-tee-o
Start searching the undergrowth when you hear this song as that is where Hooded Warblers hang out. Trust me: You will know the male when you see it. The black cowl encircling the yellow face and forehead is unmistakable and contrasts nicely with the glowing yellow breast.
buzz-bz-bz-bz
Well worth the time to track down the source of this song in brushy clearings or undergrowth. Few warblers outshine the Golden-winged Warbler with its jaunty yellow cap, black eye patch and throat, and of course, the distinctive yellow wing bar by which it gets its name.
chip-chup-ee, chip-chup-ee, chip-chup-ee, chip
Call me immediately if you chance to hear this song as I have never laid eyes on the prized Connecticut Warbler. When this skulker in the undergrowth gives you a glimpse, it displays a gray head and glowing throat and yellow breast. Make sure you see the white eye ring to distinguish it from its lookalike relative Mourning Warbler.
churry-churry-churry-churry
Kentucky Warblers don’t find their way this far north very often and draw crowds of birdwatchers when they do. Once again, you’ll have to scan the woodland undergrowth to find the Kentucky. But it displays well with its trend-setting black sideburns, yellow designer spectacles, the flashy yellow breast and unmarked green upper body.
I would gladly trade five dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers (aka Butterbutts) for a glimpse of just one this elusive quintet – in particular, the elusive Connecticut. In metaphor terms, each is a once in a blue moon sighting and the guaranteed highlight of the season. Wish me luck!
~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog .
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