[CINC] Fw: Yellow Warbler

[Morgan Coffey]

Howdy,
as other naturalists who have been around for awhile can attest, these feathered freeloaders seem to show up just about this time of year every year.  I believe we typically see Townsend's warblers and I'm told that on our foggy spring-early summer days, they can get disoriented, fly a bit too far out to sea, and find a passing boat to be a welcome place to rest.
 
Their range is the Pacific Northwest, but since a population winters between Central America and Southwest US, it makes sense that we'd see them on their return home about this time of year (a totally amateur hypthesis to be sure!)
 
I've seen about a dozen over the years, and have asked many questions myself.  It seems that trying to catch the bird just gives it reason to stress and escape, possibly getting injured, possibly not finding another needed respite, while a bird left to hitch the ride it needs will stick around until land is in sight. 
 
Talented warbler wranglers may be able to ensure a safe return to shore, but do consider allowing the weary bird a bit of peace--it's amazing how well and how far they can handle themselves.  
 
Cheers,
Morgan


Date: Tue, 13 May 2008 08:32:27 -0700From: gksully at pacbell.netTo: channel_islands_naturalist_corps at rain.orgSubject: [CINC] Fw: Yellow Warbler




Hi all
I've gotten several responses about the Yellow bird, and I'm forwarding this one from Scott Cuzzo.  The link has a picture on the top left that looks like the bird I saw.  The says it's about 4.5 inches long, which is bigger than the one I saw....
Scott on the Speed Twin did catch it, and planned to take it back to shore, to take to the bird sanctuary, or somewhere, but it escaped through a crack in a window in the wheelhouse.

We were pretty far out, I'd say at least 5-6 miles, when it appeared, and if it's a warbler, I wonder what it's doing out there so far...

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Scott Cuzzo <scott at scottcuzzo.com>To: Karen Sullivan <gksully at pacbell.net>Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 7:56:04 AMSubject: Yellow WarblerI think that yellow bird is a yellow warbler.  At least the one that was on my shoulder looked like it. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Warbler

One of the other naturalists recommended trying to catch it and return it to shore....

Scott Cuzzo



On May 11, 2008, at 10:52 PM, Karen Sullivan wrote:


The noon and 3pm Speed Twin trips showed several Humpbacks, doing the usual fluking and breathing.  Saw a couple of breaches off in the distance, but none up close.  Saw one lunge feed on the 3PM trip.The little (really little) yellow bird made another appearance, landing on my head, and flying through the galley, landing on a few passengers heads and causing pandemonium....  I wish I knew what kind of bird it is.  Looks a little like a yellow hummingbird, but a little bigger....Very cold out there today, but still a pretty good day.Karen Sullivan

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