Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum). Ulster County, New York, USA.

As often the case, today was a lovely, wonderful day of birding, but a terrible day for photography. As i set out it was particularly dismal for spring: cold, gray, and rainy. I trudged to my usual birding spot fully expecting to turn around after ten minutes and drive home.

Of course nature does not accommodate my attitude, and luckily so. The trees and rocks and atmosphere and moss and life offered a vibrant welcome me upon arrival. For a few blissful moments, I was absolutely encased by the forest. A flock of distant visitors both familiar and forgotten manifested, immediately vying for attention. That dreaded foggy atmosphere was transformed by songs and calls as it scraped past the treetops. Spring migration is like nothing else in the birding world.

I can photograph life with no problems, but here I begged to capture feeling. I was lucky to pull one acceptable photo - this worm-eating warbler, an uncommon find for the area. It was easy to track down by following the loud, distinctive trill and looking for the tiny blur as it hopped between branches. Perhaps the warbler gods felt pity for me, as it let me get close enough for some decent shots on this dreary yet magical afternoon that nourished my soul and strained my ISO settings .

Some days may be good, some days may be shit, all days are worth it.

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