Sidewalk Series

[Rubberhead]

I worked in downtown with jckegley for 6 years. The 4 block walk from the parking deck to our building took me through a little green space in Uptown Charlotte called "The Green". For whatever reasons, it was common to find exhausted warblers in the covered brick walkway. I'd always carry a pocket camera and get a few photos then move the tired birds to a thick bush to sleep it off. Here are a few photos I got over the years all taken with a Sony P200 Point-and-Shoot.

A pooped out Wilson Warbler:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/487487505_cc5565c35c_o.jpg

American Woodcock in front of the library extension called the "Check It Outlet."
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2017/1731194127_fcc29c5d49_b.jpg

A spring Magnolia Warbler who as made it as far north as the Wachovia Tower #3 will let him
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2472023858_259492e6d3_b.jpg

One of my favorites: A black-and-white warbler in front of Wachovia Square
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1421/1356400600_62b58fc87a_b.jpg

An Ovenbird reflecting in Wachovia marble:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/479993795_f11f137b24_b.jpg

[Steve_E]

I would never expect such variety to be found in such places. Somewhat sad to see them so out of their element but they do look healthy. Great, great stuff RH. Thanks for sharing these.

[dddenton]

I had no idea! I work just across the street and sometimes go down to the Green at lunchtime. I will have to slow down and start paying more attention. Thanks for sharing.

[Rubberhead]

Thanks guys. I've got a few more:

Northern Parula Warbler in front of College Place:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/487486795_376cdaefa1.jpg

Worm-eating Warbler:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/487487557_77c8533c7c.jpg

A fall Chestnut-sided Warbler. Kegley found this one and came up and got me. She was feeding in a grassy patch in front of the Charlotte Convention Center.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1097/1331893161_9665b8f98a_b.jpg

dddenton,
Spring and fall migrations are the best times. Usually April, May and September.

[dddenton]

dddenton,
Spring and fall migrations are the best times. Usually April, May and September.

Thanks Rubberhead! I'll have to make time to get out more at work once the weather turns pretty!

[Idlewild]

Very cool series!

[artsnimages]

Now thats an interesting take on Nature!

Excellent Sir Rubber dude!

Jim

[jckegley]

I think the trick to getting the sidewalk birds is to always have a camera with you. Most folks wouldn't want to carry a digital SLR and lens back and forth from work, so arm yourself with a good pocket point and shoot like RH.

The other thing to note that RH pointed out is the months during migration. Be on the lookout during April and May for tired birds during spring migration, Sept. for fall migration.

After RH showed me some of the birds he was seeing, I have to admit I was amazed at what I came across once I actually started looking. I have seen numerous worm-eating warblers in downtown Charlotte during the migrations after I was informed by rubberhead.

Who would have ever thought anything but starlings or house sparrows would be in a downtown city environment.

[jckegley]

PS

My favorite from a photography aspect is the Black and White Warbler. Nice detail and good catchlight on that one.

My favorite from a 'what in the world is that doing here' perspective has got to be the woodcock. I have yet to get a photo of a woodcock in it's natural environment (or the city). Seems the only time I see one is when I flush one off the ground when walking on a trail. Usually scares the heck out of me.

[dddenton]

Who would have ever thought anything but starlings or house sparrows would be in a downtown city environment.

I've never seen any of these birds in a natural setting and had planned to go to some "Warbler friendly" locations this year to try - odd to think they can be seen in downtown Charlotte.

One afternoon, while in the parking lot next to the church on Tryon St. I found a hawk in the grass right in front of my car who was snacking on a rat. Didn't have a camera though. :o Just my luck - and I got close too!

[Squatty]

Take them however you can get them! Pretty cool to know there's some Warblers right in the middle of the big city! Nice shots with the P&S Rubberhead!