Hermit Warbler / Trumpeter Swans

Thanks to Vinnie Pelligrino for somehow finding the little Hermit Warbler yesterday at Sunken Meadow State Park.  After an hour of standing in the freezing cold, the sun peaked out and the bird cooperated for the above shot which was the only "keeper" in the bunch.  It had to be cropped down to just 16% of the original image as well, but I'm pretty satisfied.  Maybe the bird will remain for a bit allowing better images.

The Trumpter Swans that have frequented Upper Lake for the past two winters have returned (the report I heard from about two weeks ago).  Here they are, happily swimming while the Mute Swans stayed away, knowing they're not match for the slightly larger Trumpeters.

ID'ing birds that are unfamiliar is never easy - but having the right book is.  I use the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America which is a fantastic resource.