2021-04-17 SPI, Geat Birds, Lousy Weather

Read the blog

60 Photos

American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla — **American Redstart**
*(Setophaga ruticilla)*

**Description:**
The movement of these birds through to foliage appears as a flickering flame. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 12:28

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/125

**File Name:** AmericanRedstart_D5X6580-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Pin It — **American Redstart**
*(Setophaga ruticilla)*

**Description:**
The movement of these birds through to foliage appears as a flickering flame. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 12:28

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/125

**File Name:** AmericanRedstart_D5X6580-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Ash-Throated Flycatcher - Myiarchus cinerascens — **Ash-Throated Flycatcher**
*(Myiarchus cinerascens)*

**Description:**
As a child of the west, I regularly meet these birds near my Southern California Home. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 9:14

**Location:**

Sheepshead Bird Sanctuary
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/90

**File Name:** AshThroatedFlycatcher_D5X6106-Sheepshead_SPI

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Baltimore Oriole - Icterus galbula — **Baltimore Oriole**
*(Icterus galbula)*

**Description:**
Orioles arrived this morning in great numbers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:26

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/500

**File Name:** BaltimoreOriole_D5X6978-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck - Dendrocygna autumnalis — **Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck**
*(Dendrocygna autumnalis)*

**Description:**
Ducks enjoyed the seed placed by volunteers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 10:43

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/180

**File Name:** BlackBelliedWhistlingDuck_D5X6225-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Buff-Bellied Hummingbird - Amazilia yucatanensis — **Buff-Bellied Hummingbird**
*(Amazilia yucatanensis)*

**Description:**
Hummingbirds joined in on the migration. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 17:36

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/30

**File Name:** BuffBelliedHummingbird_D5X7864-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Cape May Warbler - Setophaga tigrina — **Cape May Warbler**
*(Setophaga tigrina)*

**Description:**
Cape May Warblers had arrived several days ahead of the big warbler fallout. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 9:52

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/90

**File Name:** CapeMayWarbler_D5X6155-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Eastern Wood-Pewee - Contopus virens — **Eastern Wood-Pewee**
*(Contopus virens)*

**Description:**
Arriving with the warblers were wood pewees. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 14:24

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** EasternWoodPewee_D5X7374-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis — **Gray Catbird**
*(Dumetella carolinensis)*

**Description:**
Some catbirds spend the winter in south Texas, but others pass through on their way from further south. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:20

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/750

**File Name:** GrayCatbird_D5X6897-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Hooded Warbler - Setophaga citrina — **Hooded Warbler**
*(Setophaga citrina)*

**Description:**
Hooded Warblers seem like they’re always on site to greet the bird-loving public. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:22

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/250

**File Name:** HoodedWarbler_D5X6923-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Indigo Bunting - Passerina cyanea — **Indigo Bunting**
*(Passerina cyanea)*

**Description:**
Indigo Buntings arrived with the flood of warblers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 10:24

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/125

**File Name:** IndigoBunting_D5X6193-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Kentucky Warbler - Geothlypis formosa — **Kentucky Warbler**
*(Geothlypis formosa)*

**Description:**
This ground forager proved difficult to photograph on this, my first meeting. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 12:21

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/60

**File Name:** KentuckyWarbler_D5X6539-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Least Bittern - Ixobrychus exilis — **Least Bittern**
*(Ixobrychus exilis)*

**Description:**
I took a break from the swarm of warblers and warbler lovers to visit the marsh where I caught this Least Bittern returning to its nest. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:42

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** LeastBittern_D5X7169-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Nashville Warbler - Leiothlypis ruficapilla — **Nashville Warbler**
*(Leiothlypis ruficapilla)*

**Description:**
Some of his friends were already here, but more Nashville Warblers arrived with the big fallout. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 12:50

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/250

**File Name:** NashvilleWarbler_D5X6654-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos — **Northern Mockingbird**
*(Mimus polyglottos)*

**Description:**
Mockingbirds rule the roost normally on SPI, but they could not dominate with so many new warbler arrivals here. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 14:23

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** NorthernMockingbird_D5X7357-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Northern Waterthrush - Parkesia noveboracensis — **Northern Waterthrush**
*(Parkesia noveboracensis)*

**Description:**
Waterthrushes seemed to be everywhere on the Convention Centre grounds. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:36

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** NorthernWaterthrush_D5X7043-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Orchard Oriole - Icterus spurius — **Orchard Oriole**
*(Icterus spurius)*

**Description:**
Some Orchard Orioles were here already, but were joined this day by many more. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 15:15

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/350

**File Name:** OrchardOriole_D5X7538-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Painted Bunting - Passerina ciris — **Painted Bunting**
*(Passerina ciris)*

**Description:**
Of all the brilliant birds passing through south Texas, perhaps no bird puts more smiles on Texas faces. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:23

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/250

**File Name:** PaintedBunting_D5X6934-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Pectoral Sandpiper - Calidris melanotos — **Pectoral Sandpiper**
*(Calidris melanotos)*

**Description:**
I took a break from the swarm of warblers and warbler lovers to visit the marsh, and I met this foraging sandpiper. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:36

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/750

**File Name:** PectoralSandpiper_D5X7089-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Red-Winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus — **Red-Winged Blackbird**
*(Agelaius phoeniceus)*

**Description:**
With so many male Red-Winged Blackbirds in the island, it seemed to be the female birds that drew my attention. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 11:15

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/60

**File Name:** RedWingedBlackbird_D5X6328-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak - Pheucticus ludovicianus — **Rose-Breasted Grosbeak**
*(Pheucticus ludovicianus)*

**Description:**
Within the flood of warblers were grosbeak arrivals. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 15:08

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/180

**File Name:** RoseBreastedGrosbeak_D5X7459-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Summer Tanager - Piranga rubra — **Summer Tanager**
*(Piranga rubra)*

**Description:**
Tanagers started trickling in last week, but today there were so many more on site. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 12:59

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/180

**File Name:** SummerTanager_D5X6732-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Swainson's Thrush - Catharus ustulatus — **Swainson's Thrush**
*(Catharus ustulatus)*

**Description:**
With the flood of migrating warblers were thrushes like this Swainson’s Thrush. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 16:23

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/45

**File Name:** SwainsonsThrush_D5X7652-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Tennessee Warbler - Leiothlypis peregrina — **Tennessee Warbler**
*(Leiothlypis peregrina)*

**Description:**
Sleek, but understated, Tennessee Warblers were plentiful. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:01

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/250

**File Name:** TennesseeWarbler_D5X6764-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Veery - Catharus fuscescens — **Veery**
*(Catharus fuscescens)*

**Description:**
With the flood of migrating warblers were thrushes like this Veery. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 15:53

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/90

**File Name:** Veery_D5X7605-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Warbling Vireo - Vireo gilvus — **Warbling Vireo**
*(Vireo gilvus)*

**Description:**
Several vireo species passed through this morning, but the Warbling Vireo outnumbered all the others. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 13:19

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** WarblingVireo_D5X6874-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Western Tanager - Piranga ludoviciana — **Western Tanager**
*(Piranga ludoviciana)*

**Description:**
Western Tanagers are familiar birds in the west, but eastern birders get quite the kick from meeting them. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 15:14

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/180

**File Name:** WesternTanager_D5X7528-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

White-Winged Dove - Zenaida asiatica — **White-Winged Dove**
*(Zenaida asiatica)*

**Description:**
This resident dove took advantage of the food place here by volunteers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 10:50

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/125

**File Name:** WhiteWingedDove_D5X6231-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Wilson's Warbler - Cardellina pusilla — **Wilson's Warbler**
*(Cardellina pusilla)*

**Description:**
Wilson’s Warblers travel long distances to reach their breeding grounds in the northern reaches of the USA and Canada, from east to west. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 12:37

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/250

**File Name:** WilsonsWarbler_D5X6636-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Yellow-Breasted Chat - Icteria virens — **Yellow-Breasted Chat**
*(Icteria virens)*

**Description:**
I love hearing the “songs” of these birds, but in migration they were silent. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 14:05

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/500

**File Name:** YellowBreastedChat_D5X7258-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Yellow-Headed Blackbird - Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus — **Yellow-Headed Blackbird**
*(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)*

**Description:**
On the move from south to north with the warblers were these Yellow-Headed Blackbirds. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:17 10:09

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/500

**File Name:** YellowHeadedBlackbird_D5X6170-SPI_ConventionCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Click map markers to reveal further information

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

The movement of these birds through to foliage appears as a flickering flame. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

Ash-Throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

As a child of the west, I regularly meet these birds near my Southern California Home. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Ash-Throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

Orioles arrived this morning in great numbers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

Ducks enjoyed the seed placed by volunteers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Buff-Bellied Hummingbird

Amazilia yucatanensis

Hummingbirds joined in on the migration. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

Cape May Warblers had arrived several days ahead of the big warbler fallout. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

Arriving with the warblers were wood pewees. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

Some catbirds spend the winter in south Texas, but others pass through on their way from further south. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

Hooded Warblers seem like they’re always on site to greet the bird-loving public. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

Indigo Buntings arrived with the flood of warblers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

This ground forager proved difficult to photograph on this, my first meeting. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Least Bittern

Ixobrychus exilis

I took a break from the swarm of warblers and warbler lovers to visit the marsh where I caught this Least Bittern returning to its nest. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Least Bittern

Ixobrychus exilis

Least Bittern

Ixobrychus exilis

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

Some of his friends were already here, but more Nashville Warblers arrived with the big fallout. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

Mockingbirds rule the roost normally on SPI, but they could not dominate with so many new warbler arrivals here. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

Waterthrushes seemed to be everywhere on the Convention Centre grounds. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

Some Orchard Orioles were here already, but were joined this day by many more. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

Of all the brilliant birds passing through south Texas, perhaps no bird puts more smiles on Texas faces. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

I took a break from the swarm of warblers and warbler lovers to visit the marsh, and I met this foraging sandpiper. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

With so many male Red-Winged Blackbirds in the island, it seemed to be the female birds that drew my attention. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Within the flood of warblers were grosbeak arrivals. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Tanagers started trickling in last week, but today there were so many more on site. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

This 1st year male bird was quite assertive and stood his ground at the food offered and even ran off mature males. Tanagers started trickling in last week, but today there were so many more on site. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

With the flood of migrating warblers were thrushes like this Swainson’s Thrush. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

Sleek, but understated, Tennessee Warblers were plentiful. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

With the flood of migrating warblers were thrushes like this Veery. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

Several vireo species passed through this morning, but the Warbling Vireo outnumbered all the others. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

Western Tanagers are familiar birds in the west, but eastern birders get quite the kick from meeting them. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

This resident dove took advantage of the food place here by volunteers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

Wilson’s Warblers travel long distances to reach their breeding grounds in the northern reaches of the USA and Canada, from east to west. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Yellow-Breasted Chat

Icteria virens

I love hearing the “songs” of these birds, but in migration they were silent. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Yellow-Breasted Chat

Icteria virens

Yellow-Breasted Chat

Icteria virens

Yellow-Breasted Chat

Icteria virens

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

On the move from south to north with the warblers were these Yellow-Headed Blackbirds. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.