Saturday, December 14, 2024

Back from trip to South America and get to see a Cape May Warbler today in South Hadley

Cape May Warbler, South Hadley, MA, Dec 14, 2024
Cape May Warbler, South Hadley, MA, Dec 14, 2024
Cape May Warbler, South Hadley, MA, Dec 14, 2024

I finally made it back from my trip down to Peru and Bolivia and after hearing about a Cape May Warbler that is attempting to overwinter at a private residence in South Hadley I had to at least try to see if it was still around (posts on Peru and Bolivia will be forthcoming).  Greg knew the homeowners and was nice enough to put me in touch with them and after texting a bit I planned on trying for it in the morning after I got up and going.  The homeowner stated it has been present as recently as yesterday afternoon so I had high hopes it would still be around.  The very cold temps lately (lows in the low to mid teens at night) were the only worrying part on its continued presence.  Nonetheless I figure I would give it a try before crashing back home to catch up on sleep.  I arrived there a bit after eight after getting a text from the homeowner telling me it was still there.  I arrived and within a few minutes saw it foraging among a rock wall before it flew to the front of the house to sit a small bush in the full sun and likely warming up.  The homeowners then graciously invited me in to see the bird from inside and it showed quite often coming into a suet feeder.  We had a great conversation about the bird and actions to take to maximize its chances of survival.  It appeared to be doing quite well and with a steady food supply and a dense evergreen bush nearby it seems to have good cover.  Hopefully it makes it through the winter.  I know the homeowners will do everything they can for their visitor.

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