When I first looked out at one of my hummingbird feeders early this morning in
Birchwood (Hamilton County), I saw an agitated Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
That’s not unusual I was thinking (and you’re probably thinking the same
thing). Then I noticed a larger bird on the hummingbird feeder. When I had
quickly grabbed my binoculars and looked at the larger bird, my thought was,
“I’ve never seen this species in my life.” Its relatively long and pointed bill
and other features led me to the blackbirds section of my field guide where I
discovered that the mystery bird was a first-year male Baltimore Oriole. I had
seen only one of that species ever before, and it was an unmistakable adult!
This afternoon a Prothonotary Warbler was noted at my property, as was a Hooded
Warbler. The Prothonotary Warbler was a new yard bird for me.
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
