A day in May at Cold Creek

TTTTennessee WarblerTTT

Vermivora peregrina

I visited Cold Creek Conservation Area, in King Township, today.   So did about 100 school kids keenly involved in natural science studies.   I tried to to steer clear of them but they were in the good spots so I had to settle for what nature felt I deserved.   One uncommon bird sighting was the male Tennessee Warbler above.   A bit nondescript but identifiable by the white eyebrow strip, black eyeline,  gray head and contrasting greenish back.   I also spotted a Chestnut-sided Warbler.   Its photo is below and I apologize for the poor quality shot, but its characteristic markings, yellow cap, partial black mask and chestnut sides, are still readily identifiable even in a poor photo.



There were lots of Tree Swallows nesting in boxes at Cold Creek today, but I didn't see one Bluebird; not in the fields or trees or boxes.   There have been Bluebirds here for several years and I am hoping I was just unlucky today.   I know that some of the many boxes at Cold Creek were re-positioned in the last year and moved back from the high-human-traffic areas.   Bluebirds prefer open areas and short grass and may have been unwittingly discriminated against here.

Turtles at the Cold Creek Small Pond

Cold Creek's new wetlands pond ~ maturing nicely



    I hope wherever you are, you have a Cold Creek equivalent and are eagerly soaking up Nature's beauty.

    Please comment if you wish.

    BtheB                                                                                                                                             All photos by BarrytheBirder