Tag: Sandyston

Cerulean Warbler

Cerulean Warbler

In the hushed serenity of Stokes State Forest Park, I saw a small yet striking Cerulean Warbler perch gracefully amidst the complex lace of bare twigs. With its sky-blue back, this individual flits through the overgrown foliage, a splash of colour against the green canvas. Its delicate form is a testament to the surprises hidden within the leafy branches near Sandyston.

The setting is a dance of natural Spring hues; the emerging leaves' soft greens blend with the branches' muted tones. Light filters through the tree canopy, radiating a peaceful glow on the warbler's plumage, highlighting the crisp white underparts and the band of streaks along its chest.

In this tranquil woodland setting, the warbler is the star, a transient beauty amongst the woods. This image captures a moment of stillness, a glimpse into the life of one of nature's most elusive songbirds.

This individual was challenging to photograph. It always seemed to land in the thick of the leaves and stems. Of the dozen or more frames I captured, this is the best photograph of the set. It is the only one I have where the bird landed and was not somewhat obscured by a branch.

Blackburnian Warbler

I love the flame-orange throat of the Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca).

This is the second workshop that I have booked with Ray Hennessey. When I registered for Ray's workshop, it was mainly because I was attracted to the flame-orange throat of the Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca).

The Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) is a vibrantly coloured bird, noted for its striking orange and black plumage on the face and throat, which is incredibly vivid during the breeding season. They are often found in coniferous forests and are a brilliant spectacle for any bird enthusiast. Ray had his camper van set up in a Stokes State Forest Park, a state park in Sandyston, Montague and Frankford in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Ray knew just where to go, and this bird was very cooperative, flying between the surrounding branches of the shorter trees. We found this individual near the area where we photographed the Black-throated Green Warbler. We waited patiently for the bird to rest in just the right spot. His throat seems to glow. I learned that no other North American warbler has an orange throat.

Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) · 13 May 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Photographing these tiny birds is a challenge. We would find a spot with a confusion of Warbler and stand around, waiting for the bird to come down from the trees and land on an open branch. The bird may land in a leafy tree or shrub and is either fully or partially obscured by leaves or stems. Sometimes, the bird is facing away from the camera. Getting a good photograph requires time, patience, and lots of luck. But the results are rewarding.

Northern Parula

This Northern Parula was a feathered artist painting the forest with song.

A Northern Parula warbler perches on a slender branch amid the emerging spring in Stokes State Forest Park. The background showcases the emergence of new delicate foliage in shades of red and green. Hanging catkins resemble a chandelier surrounding the warbler, which is decorated in a mosaic of blues and yellows.

This Northern Parula has a slate-blue back, a vibrant yellow throat extending down its chest, and a distinctive patch of rusty or chestnut colouring within the yellow. Its breast and belly transition to greyish-white. Dark blue-grey feathers with two white wing bars grace its wings, contributing to its complex plumage. The head features the same slate blue with a white eye crescent.

Despite its size, this Northern Parula, nearly hidden amid the springtime foliage, highlights the rich ecosystem of Stoke State Forest Park in Sandyston, New Jersey. The parula performs as a feathered artist, painting the forest with its melodious song.

I stumbled upon this photograph while organising my Adobe Lightroom catalogue. It was among a collection of warbler images captured during a workshop in Stoke State Forest Park in the spring of 2022.