Yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge I spotted my first warbler of the spring, a Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum). For several weeks, I have been diligently searching the ground and the trees for warblers, whose appearance marks the beginning of spring for some birders. It was not surprising that the first one I saw was a Palm Warbler, because they are traditionally one of the earliest species to arrive, but I was a little surprised to find several of them at water’s edge, poking about in the rocks and the debris. In the past, I have most often spotted them on the grassy trails.
I was not able to get close to these little warblers, so my normal temptation was to crop my images, as I did in the first one, in order to highlight the bird. As I was working on the second image, I decided I liked the idea of including more of the environment, even though it is a bit cluttered. What do you think?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Such a delightful sight…I like both photos, Mike. Those of us on the west coast who don’t see warblers like this, find this spectacular palm warbler a true gift. Happy spring!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Jet. I can never remember which birds you have or don’t there on the west coast. I like to treat pretty much all of the birds I see as equally special, knowing that the ones that are common in my area may be rare or non-existent in other places.
I do like to see more of the environment, especially in a case like this where it is so interesting with the rocks and shells. Both show the bird off nicely and great to be into the spring season!
Great pictures, Mike. I like the second one, but I do like the “close-up” – although, he looks a little angry in that first image. Was it something you said?
I think the rocks were tough on his feet. Have you ever tried walking on rocks with your bare feet? 🙂
Nice Mike! I like seeing some of the environment in some. It also helps viewers know where they might see them also plus shows their habitat.
Both are nice shots, Mike. I just read in the Cornell blog that the Gulf coast will see over 2 billion birds migrating with peak being three weeks from mid-April to early May. Birding there must be spectacular!
I am not sure how many we will get to see, but I am hoping that it will be lots. I am more of a photographer than a birder, but it is hard not to get excited.
Nice shots Mike. I like the first one more because it shows the bird best and the pebbles and shells are visible.
Thanks, Chris. I tend to agree, but there are elements of the second shot that I like too.