East Shore Park - November Warblers

East Shore Park in New Haven, CT has developed a reputation as one of the best late fall birding spots in the state. The park lies immediately south of a sewage treatment plant that keeps flying insects alive well into the autumn season thanks to, well, the treated sewage pools. These insects have concentrated lingering warblers, a phenomenon that has brought more birders to the park, which has in turn led to more interesting sightings.

Satellite view of the north end of East Shore Park adjacent to the treatment plant

The other specialty of the park happens to be Cave Swallows, which during invasions can often be seen hawking insects over the treatment plant, particularly on colder days. A few Northern Rough-winged Swallows attempted to winter here a few years ago.

This month 10 different warbler species have been recorded at the park so far...not bad for November in New England. Today I had single TENNESSEE and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS plus a late BLACKPOLL.

This place is now OVERdue for a western vagrant (unless you want to count the Cave Swallows). With all the lingering late-fall insectivores, you'd expect a sighting of a western warbler (the state's first Townsend's, perhaps?) or flycatcher by now. Should only be a matter of time...

Here are some photos of a few of this month's birds.

Tennessee Warbler (Nov 13)

Orange-crowned Warbler (Nov 13)

Blackpoll Warbler (Nov 4)

"Western" Palm Warbler (Nov 4)

Hermit Thrush (Nov 13)

immature Black-crowned Night-heron (Nov 4)

- Nick