The Prairie Warbler persists. Several years ago, when I heard (then saw) my first Prairie Warbler at Beech Hill, it was above all a thrill. A “rare” sighting, a lovely singer, a pretty little jewel of a bird. Then a couple-three years later, I began to hear more of them singing during spring migration.

And then I moved to Utah. Not quite three years later, I’m back. And Prairie Warblers are, too.

Jack-my-dog and I began hiking the Beech Hill trails again on 01 May, and in the month since, I’ve heard and/or seen Prairie Warblers most days, I think. One in particular seems to have decided to take up residence. I suspect it’s yet another sign of the changing climate, the changing ranges of birds of various kinds.

On the one hand, it’s a delight to see and hear this cool bird regularly; on the other… What have we humans wrought?

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 8:28 a.m., I hiked most trails.

1. Red-eyed Vireo**
2. Ovenbird**
3. Black-throated Green Warbler** (v)
4. Common Yellowthroat (v)
5. Tufted Titmouse (v)
6. American Crow*
7. Veery
8. Northern Cardinal* (v)
9. Hairy Woodpecker (v)
10. Gray Catbird*
11. Black-capped Chickadee (v)
12. Chestnut-sided Warbler**
13. American Redstart**
14. American Goldfinch** (v)
15. Pileated Woodpecker (v)
16. Eastern Towhee
17. Eastern Wood-pewee (v)
18. Black-and-white Warbler (v)
19. Alder Flycatcher
20. Yellow Warbler
21. Song Sparrow** (v)
22. Field Sparrow
23. Cedar Waxwing
24. Prairie Warbler
25. Eastern Bluebird
26. Herring Gull*
27. Black-billed Cuckoo (v)
28. Purple Finch
29. Chipping Sparrow**
30. American Robin*
31. Hermit Thrush (v)

Elsewhere

32. Mallard
33. European Starling
34. Rock Pigeon

(v) Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
†First-of-year