Nesting White-eyed Vireos – Photos Galore!
July 16, 2009
Article in: Birding
I took the new dog Bella hiking at one of our favorite places: Rock Cut State Park. After discovering a snake (Bella sniffed but was otherwise indifferent to it) we struggled to find any birds that were photo-friendly. Nothing! Thankfully, near the end of our hike, we were alerted by a commotion of scolding from the sometimes shy yet boisterous, White-eyed Vireo.
Lurking in the bushes was vireo #1
Then a second one popped up carrying a large morsel for a hungry mouth
After a few shots, I was given the cold, uh shoulder…
However, the first bird was ready for a closeup
I never found an actual nest but their behavior was conducive to nesting and I decided to not disturb them further. A great way to end what started out as a ho-hum birding trip.
Learn more about White-eyed Vireos from Cornell’s All About Birds.
Vivacious Vireos
June 10, 2008
Article in: Birding
In northern Illinois we have seven regularly occurring species of vireos. In the U.S. there are 14. Each of these vocal vixens are often heard more than seen as they sluggishly skulk in the shrubbery. Problem is, their sounds are often similar, so identifying them can be a bit tricky.
White-eyed Vireos might hide a lot but their sound is always a joy to hear
From the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America:
Gray Vireo song: “short whistled phrases with burry sound, similar to Plumbeous Vireo’s song”
Plumbeous Vireo song: “short whistled phrashes with burry quality, much like Cassin’s Vireo”
Cassin’s Vireo song: “like Blue-headed Vireo’s but with burry sound”
Blue-headed Vireo song: “Like Red-eyed Vireo’s but higher-pitched”
So, a Gray Vireo sings a short-whistled, high-pitched, burry, Red-eyed Vireo song. That simplifies things!
Red-eyed Vireo posing out on an open branch
In our area we have three distinct sounding vireos, Bell’s, White-eyed, and Warbling. We’ve somewhat mastered the Yellow-throated song, so all that remains are Blue-headed, Philadelphia, and the always present Red-eyed.
But despite their similarities, vireos are wonderful birds to have around, even if they may not be as colorful (debatable) or active as the wood-warblers.
Blue-headed Vireo
Phriday Photo – White-eyed Vireo
May 30, 2008
Article in: Photography
We have seven species of vireos in northern Illinois but this is probably our favorite.
