Brier Island Spring 2021

 For awhile it seemed like we were going to get a chance to do our annual May birding trip to Brier Island for the first time since 2019 but alas it wasn't to be due to the Covid lockdown. When restrictions were lifted the first of June we made last minute plans to go knowing full well we would miss most of the Spring migrants, but yet curious what we might see. It was unfortunate that over half of our usual group weren't able to make the trip for various reasons which left only Mark and I to go.

I think we both had some idea of the birds we would see and some we only hoped to see. In the latter group was the Eastern Bluebird which we were lucky enough to find on the first day.

Bluebirds seem to be particularly attracted to cemeteries because the gravestones provide perfect perches to watch for insects on the manicured grass below.  I think I photographed this bird on maybe ten different tombstones. 

So with the bluebird providing one of the highlights, others included seeing all three of the most likely mimid thrushes in this part of the world - Grey Catbird, Northern Mockingbird and Brown Thrasher. Mostly what we saw were the resident birds that breed on the island with Canada Geese being the most obvious evidence of nesting.

There were the resident warblers as well including Yellow Warblers, Black-throated Green and Common Yellowthroat. 

I guess the real highlight for me was the Yellow-throated Warbler we found on the last day. That was a new bird for me and I'm happy that Mark got to see it as well. We also got to witness the annular solar eclipse, not something you get a chance to see very often.

I hope we get the chance to do this trip again next year at the proper time. Although I'm more than happy I made the trip this year in June it will be great to be able to do it in May again and hopefully with the entire gang next time. 2022 I'm counting on you.