American Redstart
Since 2007, I've been keeping track of the number of New World warbler species that I photograph each year. Although I won't be able to equal my high of 42 warbler species photographed in 2021, I did get an early start on this year's count when I spent a few days in Hilton Head in February.
I was on travel Friday through very late Sunday evening, so I got a late start this morning. I wanted to look for Kentucky Warblers at Mint Springs Park. I can usually find one or more of them each year going up the Fire Trail from the kiosk. They weren't there yet when I birded at this park on April 26, but it's not far from my home, and I started at 10:45 this morning. I heard and saw several American Redstarts and heard a few Hooded Warblers. I didn't spend much time looking for them as I already have good photos of both species this year. One of the Redstarts was just off the edge of the Fire Trail.
American Redstart
About 1/3 the way up the Fire Trail to the level part, I got my 2022 warbler species #17. Although the photos are no where as good as I have gotten there in previous years, they still count on my year list.
Kentucky Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
I heard a Black-throated Blue Warbler near the same location where I heard one last week, but did not see this one as well. So I tried a few other trails near the Fire Trail. I heard a buzzy song, and got 2022 #18.
Northern Parula
Northern Parula
Northern Parula
Northern Parula
A few minutes later, I got some distant shots of 2022 #19, as well as my first of year Red-eyed Vireo.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo