https://www.zacharybillman.com/categories/birding/ Recent content in Birding on Zachary Billman Hugo -- 0.135.0 en-us Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.zacharybillman.com/posts/the-uncommon-yellowthroat/ Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.zacharybillman.com/posts/the-uncommon-yellowthroat/ <p>My partner and I took a trip to the <a href="https://ncbg.unc.edu/visit/mason-farm-biological-reserve/">Mason Farm Biological Reserve</a> the other day, and what a glorious day it was. This year, I&rsquo;ve been quite busy in the lab, and missed a lot of the early spring warbler season, so I was very excited by the opportunity to check out the old stomping grounds.</p> <p>I brought the camera with me despite the fact we were going to be there around midday when the birds are much less active. I&rsquo;m glad I did, because I got the best look at a common yellowthroat I&rsquo;ve ever had. <span class="sidenote-number"><small class="sidenote"> Normally these guys are flighty, staying close to the ground in small brush or tall grasses, but this one was putting on a proper show for the mating season. Even when you get a glimpse of one, it is usually just that, as they have jumped away before you can pull out the camera, taunting you with their <a href="https://ebird.org/species/comyel#Modal-playlist">iconic call</a>. </small></span> I was very pleased to capture a few choice shots of the bird. Hopefully there are more to come. While we were out, I also got a nice picture of a hermit thrush and a king snake.</p>