Wow! Are these midwestern birds colorful!

It's been one week since I landed in Madison, and I've been busy in the bird world. Not too many photos, but here are some from my cousin's feeders.

Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole.

I attended a Warbler Walk through Madison Audubon and added several species to the ol life list (though I do need to confirm that when I finally unpack my checklist). Whether I've seen it before or not, the Blackburnian Warbler is a real stunner. No photos this time, or possibly ever, since warblers are tough to capture without a super long lens.

I also attended a birding by ear field trip and got to know the raspy call of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. I thought it was a fledgling calling! 

The birding community here is strong and active and I have loads of places to visit and get to know. And I'm learning what's common or unusual and what's totally absent. I was given last year's Pheasant Branch Conservancy Phenology Calendar, and it's helping me understand the natural flow here.

Thanks for reading, and leave a comment if you visited!