Reported at the Midwest Birding Symposium on September 18, 2009: one Kirtland’s Warbler, Dendroica kirtlandii, seen that morning in East Harbor State Park near Lakeside, Ohio. Widespread reaction: twitch!
One of the keys to a good twitch is being able to read the subtle signs left by previous viewers of the bird.
Twitch signs with attached details are particularly helpful.
At first, there is often a reverent silence as everyone looks hopefully skyward.
After a little time, formerly poised-for-action binoculars are lowered to a relaxed position.
Some experienced birders know the tiresomeness of continually looking upward and thus adopt a more practical viewing position (as demonstrated in this picture by Birdchick).
Eventually, movement is noticed among the foliage and the assembled group moves in for a closer look.
See the Kirtland’s Warbler in these trees?
Neither did I.
C’est l’observation d’Oiseaux.
If you enjoyed reading this, please consider signing up for The Well-read Naturalist's newsletter. You'll receive a helpful list of recently published reviews, short essays, and notes about books in your e-mail inbox once each fortnight.
