As I woke up today in my tent, it felt great to have another try at the warblers. I knew they were out there as I had heard many yesterday, I just either couldn’t find them or get them out of tangled brush. Today wound up being significantly more successful, although I didn’t wind up with some of the target species. I only had a morning before I had to drive back, but it was a very pleasant morning. I spent the weekend in the Port Huron State Game Area which was a new location for me. It’s only a short drive north of Detroit, but the countryside comes quickly as you drive up the eastern side of the state. From my first try in southern Ohio, Pine Warblers have always been a species I can count on. They are incredibly inquisitive and live up to their namesake nesting in pine forests.
Pine Warbler
Although my focus is on the warblers, I keep attuned to any wildlife in the area. So while I was trying to photograph a Blue-winged Warbler, I noticed this eager Black-capped Chickadee. It’s a bird I have photographed numerous times, but you always get the best results by working with the more cooperative subjects. I was delighted when the chickadee perched atop this branch in a clearing at eye level. I left Port Huron excited from seeing that spring has finally come to Michigan.
Black-capped Chickadee