I was able to get some photos of a pair of county birds: Swamp Sparrow and a lifer Hooded Warbler!

I was able to go and see the Hooded Warbler twice. It was a state-level rarity, and on my first visit some birders there had already found it, which made getting a glimpse easier. I only got a brief look with binoculars, so I returned a few days later and was able to find it on my own and get some challenging photos. This bird was staying close to the ground, and in a residential area with dense vegetation and fenced off properties, so it was hard to actually see after locating it by ear.

I also made a pair of visits out to see the Swamp Sparrow. After again locating this bird by ear, it briefly popped up among the cattails to fly a short distance. I got to photograph it while hearing a second one calling in response.

These photos are © 2025 Phil Thompson, all rights reserved.

My "birds in review" collages can be found here.