Trip report

Big Talbot State Park

Saturday, May 9, 2026 · Big Talbot Island State Park

Northern Parula family (feeding young).
Northern Parula family (feeding young).
Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler A Yellow-throated Warbler spotted up close by Mary.
Northern Parula (youngster)
Northern Parula (youngster) A young Northern Parula awaits its parent.
Red-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo A Red-eyed Vireo with insect prey.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo A Yellow-billed Cuckoo observes the observer at Big Talbot.

The Outing

We had a good turnout yesterday, and much appreciated was that half of the group were first-timers.

Migration was still present, but most of the activity was from local resident birds. Female American Redstarts and female Blackpoll Warblers were seen, indicating the bulk of migration has already occurred. On scouting days Thursday and Friday, Kristin Herring and I observed both male and female of these species. Typically, the females migrate after the males who set up territories.

We heard plenty of Northern Parulas singing, but they were tough to see as they tended to their young. Kristin took the banner photo on Thursday at Big Talbot, showing the adult and juvenile Northern Parula. The photo of the other juvenile, by itself, was taken on Saturday.

Also shown is a Yellow-billed Cuckoo that Kristin and I saw on Friday at Big Talbot but heard yesterday with the group during our trip. The Yellow-throated Warblers were abundant, and attached is a photo of one that flew in close to us on Saturday. Additionally, there is a Red-eyed Vireo with a bug, also taken on Saturday's outing.

Good birding, Bill George

Attribution: These bird photos by Kristin Herring are shared with some rights reserved. Please contact us for details.