Yesterday I got up early so I could visit Capulin Spring in the Sandia Mountains.  This is a great time to visit the spring because we get some fall migrating warblers.  The most sought after warbler this time of year is the Townsend’s Warbler.  We only get them here for a few weeks in September, then we have to wait another year to see them again.

So I had high hopes of seeing this warbler.  I had my new camera after all!  I was hoping to get a better photo of one than I have in the past.

When I first arrived there were the usual Dark-Eyed Juncos about.  They are always here in great numbers.  We get several variety of Juncos in New Mexico, but the most common is the “gray headed”.

Then a group of Yellow-Rumped Warblers came in for a drink and a bath.  We have these birds here year round.  Now that it’s officially fall, their plumage is less vibrant than in the spring.  But they are still a pretty warbler.

After sitting quietly for awhile I was rewarded with the Townsend’s Warbler.  Two of them in fact! Beautiful!  They were very cautious to come get a drink.   As with all warblers, they were quick too!  But I managed to get a few good pics.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

Then a couple of fellow birders showed up – Sharon and Vicki.  We had a great time birding together.  With three pairs of eyes, we were able see more sightings.  One of which was a new bird for me!

Sharon pointed out a soaring bird way up high overhead.  I zoomed way in and was able to get one photo before it soared away.  Not a great photo but I got it! A Northern Goshawk!

For awhile we had been seeing Steller’s Jays.  They were acting very shy.  But once us girls started visiting, they seem to relax and start coming in.  Funny!  You’d think sitting still and quiet would make them more brave.  Instead, they were happier when they were ignored.  LOL!

There were several Ruby Crowned Kinglets about but they were quick!  I got a lot of bad photos and one decent one.

Vicki pointed out a different Junco – a “pink sided”.  A pretty little bird.

Happily another warbler showed up for a drink and bath – an Orange-Crowned Warbler.

A couple nuthatches showed up.  I usually see more when I visit, but this day they were kinda scarce.

Here are picks of the other more common visitors to the spring.

Then to my great delight a Plumbeous Vireo showed up.  He was very nervous and darted all about.  Though not a great pic – it was the best of the bunch.  Soon he will be leaving us for the winter.

Just before I was leaving I saw a Green-Tailed Towhee – always a delight to see and hear.

It was a great morning birding with friends.  🙂