At this time of the year, birds are in the middle of their spring migration. Once again, we can see the bird species that we missed since last year! Last week, we visited Chatfield State Park, where we had heard that the warbler’s were back in the park. I have wanted to capture an image of a Yellow Warbler since I first encountered the species last year. So last Sunday, I paid a visit to Chatfield hoping to find one.
I found several Yellow Warblers working through the Willow bushes along the path. Little birds are always difficult to capture; they are always moving and their size limits how close one can approach before they take flight. I managed to capture this male warbler; the males have very distinct red stripes on their breasts.
The male warblers spent much of the time calling out to find mates. Once one becomes use to hearing their call, it soon became easier to find other warblers.
I was standing a few feet away from the bank of the South Platte River when photographing the yellow warbler above. After a few minutes, a Great Blue Heron flew in and landed at the river bank. How could I miss this opportunity!
The heron started walking through the river, along a small dammed collection of branches. Maybe a beaver was busy damming the river at this point? Anyway, the heron paused periodically to feed on bugs and small critters in the water.
While the heron was working through the river, the yellow warbler continued calling out. Also, a Cordilleran Flycatcher was also working this location. Periodically, they suddenly take flight to capture a bug, and returning to their perch.
While the warbler and flycatcher were busy, the Great Blue Heron continued working through the river. More opportunities to see what would happen. And a choice of three birds to investigate. The Heron looked across towards me, so I managed to capture a full-face portrait. It is amazing to see that herons’ eyes are angled down so they can get a good view of their prey in the water.
It was soon time to return home. On the way to the parking lot, I noticed an Ibis had landed in the river.
The ibis was working through the low water feeding on bugs and critters in the mud along the river banks.
I heard that several White-Faced Ibises had been sighted at Chatfield last week. So I was lucky to see one and capture an image of one.