Howdy everyone, hope you are having a wonderful day. Had a couple of long grueling trail runs at the start of this week which gave me ample time to ponder what’s next on the post docket. Trust me, you are looking for anything to distract you when you are in the midst of a 2500ft and a 4000ft elevation gain training beat down. It’s during that second run that the topic appeared before my eyes – literally! On a fairly “roots of all evil” stretch my eyes were busy processing the path of least resistance in the immediate 8′ to 10′ out when something triggered the spidey senses. Lesson learned from shattered elbow, slowed down before looking for the source (I am teachable ha). Slightly beyond my root scrutiny was an absolutely monster of a Woodchuck/Groundhog/Land Beaver (pick your regional moniker) staring right at me (link here). Based on the eye dilation guessing we were equally surprised. Each stood motionless sizing each other up, processing through safety protocols, judging outcomes, assessing enemy capabilities and calculating threat models. Instinctively went with my “Hi puppy?” verbal response with my hands down and palms out. Chucky, actually more like Charlotte raised up, sniffed the air some more and waddled off further down the trail – clearly offended by my “odor-de-sweat”. Suspect the larger than expected size and cumbersome movements were due to pups in the oven (for the record they can have up to 9!). She eventually vanished in some brush and I restarted root protocols. Had to come up with a new inner Bri conversation as the post topic had just been decided.
I’ll explain the connection at the end, but for now let me introduce today’s featured feathered friend.
Hit the jump to learn more about this somewhat tricky bird …. and how it is related to one of the three incredibly rude experiences I had while we were on our recent south Texas trip.
This particular specimen is a rather plain, dare say drabbish, member of the Warbler family, a class of birds traditionally known for their brilliant colors. To its credit, it does possess a hidden gem, but it is rarely willing to reveal it. I immediately get thoughts of “it came to me, my own, my love, my precioussss”. The secretive feature is revealed in the name as this bird goes by the name Orange-Crowned Warbler (link here). I wish I could give you look at it.
Unfortunately, I have only seen it ONCE in all my encounters and thanks to that deviant Murphy…completely messed up the shot. The Kinglets can be stingy about giving us a peek at their ruby or golden crowns, but that is considered generous compared to these Orange-Crowned.
The OCs, or the OGs as I call them in the field are fairly common in southern Texas during their non-breeding months. They will push up through a majority of the states before reaching their rather expansive breeding grounds that covers Alaska, Canada and a smattering of regions in the western states. The problem comes when trying to consistently ID them in the field.
These shots were taken at the bird blind in Guadalupe River State Park just north of San Antonio back in January 2023. That park has become one of our standard stopovers when we migrate south for the winter. Always good for a checkmark on the Lesser Goldfinch and while you are waiting for those to come to the feeders, you can take pictures of all the OGs your digital cards can hold. The adults will be easier to spot with their consistent yellow/olive coloring paired with a pale partial eye ring. The difficulties come in the regional color changes and immature variations.
For starters, the farther west you go, the brighter yellow they get. To be honest, this would be an advantage for making the distinction between the OGs and the other “greyer” species like the Nashville and Tennessee Warblers. Making it even harder, the immatures can have a grey toned head which can easily be mistaken for those other two Warblers. You can see that feathering change in these last couple of shots.
There are two things I look for in the field when it comes to the Orange-Crowned. The first and most helpful is the partial eye ring. The Nashville will have a solid white eye ring. The Tennessee will have a fairly defined black eye-line that extends from the bill and then beyond the eye. They usually have a lighter (to white) belly coloring, but that can vary towards yellow as well. The other key identifier I go after is the long faint streaking on the throat and upper chest. If you look close, you will see that on both the immatures and the adults. This feature is lacking on the other Warblers mentioned.
Cornell gives a couple of other features to note. Their bills are thin and pointy and “the undertail covers are always yellow”. Honestly, I doubt those additional attributes will help you that much in the field, but worth noting for when you make it back to the digital darkroom.
Okay, now for the tangential part of the post and why the Woodchuck sealed the deal so to speak. Up to this last trip to Texas we have always appreciated how cordial everyone was we met. Especially holds true for birders who are always willing to share their finds or get our eyes on a new bird. This streak came to an end recently, not once, but THREE times. Normally I keep the human observations on the mothership, but decided to share one that had a birding theme. To set the stage, we had stopped at Goose Island State Park prior to heading up to Port Aransas. We have stayed there many times and enjoyed seeing the nearby Whooping Cranes and they have a very nice fishing pier, nature trails and bird feeder area that usually produces good checks for the year. Usually we are there in January, but this year we made it down there in late March (unfortunately, the Whoopers had migrated north just TWO days before we arrived ugh). On the last day, while Linda got the RV ready for the move, I went out for a little morning birding. Not much happening on the pier so made my way to the bird feeders. Waved at a shirtless dude running with his dog – no return acknowledgement – no worries. Got to the bird feeders with the large “Please be quiet” signs out front, heeded the request and entered. There was another individual there and we struck up a low conversation about RGV birding while noting the various birds that were showing up at the feeders – he was heading there for the first time and I was busy telling him places to go and what we had found. In the midst of that, the previously noted runner enters, pushes past us with his dog, proceeds to lead the dog directly to the drip feature and prompts it to start drinking. Once done drinking, the owner pushes past us again and leaves. I was pretty shocked and noted to the other birder how rude that was. He agreed, we went back to RGV hotspots and let it go. Soon after, the birder said his goodbyes and I wished him luck.
Alone now, I took a seat on the top of a nearby picnic table to wait for the return of what I was hoping was a Nashville Warbler that had popped out several times at the drip while we were talking .. but not since the intrusion. Quiet now, figured it might gain confidence to come back. Set the camera down, made myself comfortable and started up Merlin to help with the ID when/if it came back. 5 minutes later I thought the bird had come back….got some quick shots…eventually convinced myself it was an Orange-Crowned Warbler and went back to waiting (that was connection number 1 to the post).
Now it gets interesting. I hear the runner coming back with his dog, walks directly past me straight for the drip I had been patiently observing, prompts his dog to drink and then proceeds to walk right past me again. I ignored the runner and focused directly on the dog. As it passed me I quietly said “Hi Puppy” with one arm down (thus the default reaction when I saw the Woodchuck). Now 10′ or so past me, the runner says something…I didn’t respond as I was focused on assessing the threat from the dog. All of sudden the runner starts screaming wanting to know what “My problem was” while coming back towards me. I didn’t take my eye of the dog, I’d already done my threat assessment of the runner. Responded calmly with “That has to be one of the most inconsiderate things I’ve ever seen”. Hit a chord..dude starts yelling at me even louder about how I don’t care about a thirsty dog blah blah blah…still approaching me. Dog was not a threat, turned my attention to the growing threat. Moved The Beast to a safer distance, kept improved my position and responded “I would never blame a pet for owner actions.” You can tell when a person knows he is in the wrong..they start sputtering, get louder and start tensing. More gibberish comes out, but now he has finally decided to stop approaching. Dog still not interested. Likely realizing I am not reacting to the verbal insults, he grabs his dog and starts to leave while calling me names I don’t think the LGB community would appreciate. A strange final flex that made me chuckle.
Post assessment. Was I wrong to consider this inconsiderate behavior? As a runner myself I am pretty ashamed – if your dog will need water simply bring it (he was carrying none which in my book means you are not going that far). The interesting aspect is Merlin was still running so I have it all recorded. A good chuckle which I’m sure to bring out at Intrigue’s corporate gatherings. Probably more thought provoking is why someone feels secure enough to be aggressive towards another…especially in Texas! My wife and I consider our personal safety a self-attained priority. I’m lucky none of the multiple layers of defense had to be used and the encounter didn’t escalate beyond harmless words. By the way, in case you have children or simply not sure where to start with your own perspective on personal safety, I highly recommend picking up the book Sheep No More by Jonathan T. Gilliam (link here – non-sponsored link). That book is a nice collection of all the concepts, beliefs and approaches I’ve been taught and relied on ever since going off on my own.
Hope you enjoyed seeing the shots of the Orange-Crowned Warbler and thanks for indulging my account on a rare negative experience. Stay safe!
Wildlife Intrigued 
Excellent shots of the Warbler. At least you survived your encounter with the monster Woodchuck and the he didn’t chuck you out of his way.
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Thank you Tim! Yes, thankfully that Woodchuck wasn’t looking for Bri morsels! I had to laugh as she ran to about three trees while trying to flee the area (more like a slow rumble) and each time put two paws on it and said … Nope, too fat and headed further down the trail. “Hey Charlotte, stop running and just move off a feet to the side of the trail and I’ll be gone in seconds” she responded with at Woodchuck slur which I am sure translated to “Sure you will, you can’t even get past a root of all evil!!”. Them Chuckers be taunting me a second time hehehehe. Appreciate you dropping in and can’t wait to see those new Owlets!
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Silly woodchuck or woodcheckette. Owlet photos are waiting for you.
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AWESOME – will make a note to go check them out!
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So glad you visited my blog so I could discover yours! How exciting to meet a fellow birder, especially one who likes port Aransas and knows about our favorite spot for birding! I recently learned about Merlin, but not being as avid as you too, I have yet to download it. Sorry a fellow Texan was rude to you. Seems the way of the world these days, sadly. Good shots of the birds, great photographs too! Thanks again for visiting me, also a fellow RVer!
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Likewise!! Sounds like you know your Texas Gulf Coast – we spend about every January along the coast and then down into the RGV – such a great place to enjoy the waves and the feathers. Even if you are a casual birder you will still want to download Merlin – if nothing else, it will introduce you to all the birds around you that you didn’t know were there. I think a good portion of this country needs to step away from the propaganda media, stop reading the divisive news and sit back and enjoy a wave or two. It is really getting out of hand. Be safe in your travels and appreciate you checking us out.
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Great shots of the warbler, covering all angles. You even got the bright yellow under-tail coverts. Sorry you got challenged by such a jerk. I’m so impressed by your results that I bought the book (Kindle version). Might as well be prepared, for woodchucks and all other uncivilized beasts.
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Thank you Sam! I was busy trying to get as many shots as I could to pass the time while waiting for the Lesser Goldfinch to finally arrive. Some people these days have taken the embolden pill and turned their brains off. My first instructor was a 5’3″ lady that could drop you in a blink of an eye – I simply assume everyone I meet has similar capabilities and extend them as much courtesy I can. I hope you enjoy the book. Since I was young I was taught to be aware of my surroundings and have always assessed the threats everywhere I go, constantly improving the process when something doesn’t go as expected or a resultant behavior doesn’t match my initial profile. That is a key concept Jonathan’s covers in his book. It also covers my exact opinion on active shooter protocols which is what drew me to this book in the first place. My personal focus is addressing the 7 minutes you will “be on your own” without help in any conflict. Have a read, let me know what you think – hopefully there will be some takeaways that make the purchase worth it for you.
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I remember the drills and presentation we use to have in the building we both worked in. I did find myself viewing corners and meetings rooms a bit differently after that. I also started eyeing certain co-workers a bit differently; some I was glad to have in meetings, others . . . Either way, having access to non-public areas was always an advantage in our roles.
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I always remembered the old smoking area above the front door off the 2nd floor that not many people knew about, but again, I was not going to give myself one way out unless there were absolutely no other options – and you are right about always assessing the coworkers ha.
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There were a few places at the 3 1/2 floor stairwells with crash bars into other spaces, plus areas available to the public in Facilities, if you knew where to look (which I did).
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Luckily not an issue anymore!
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Did the groundhog run up a convenient tree to escape? It would be much easier on photographers if the “pick a color”-crowned warblers would just tip their head ever so slightly more and let us capture the colors hidden above. Maybe that “runner” will find a tree root/trunk combo on his way home, karma repaid? Nice shots Brian.
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hahaha, I just commented back to Tim that she did go up to three trees and consider climbing up but clearly this thing was way to fat to make that a plausible escape route. Definitely agree with birds being more accommodating to us photographers – clearly they don’t appreciate how hard it is to get decent picture of them to show off to our friends! A root of all evil would be a nice karma twist for sure – preferably while I was watching.
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Maybe that’s something the Intrigued Bird Whisperer department can work on for us.
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How many departments does my company have…am I paying for all those!?!
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Many, and yes. Back to work.
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It’s too bad that one inconsiderate person can cause so much misery for many others.
But on a happier note, your photos show all the field marks of the sometimes undervalued Orange-crowned Warblers. They might be understated but they are still handsome.
What I find interesting is that I have seen this species on a feeder in Colorado, only in trees and shrubs, which makes me wonder if they frequent feeders only seasonally.
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Agreed, there is definitely something to the saying “there is one in every bunch”. I was happy I could feature a Warbler that even I tend to overlook in the field – too easy to get focused on the brighter colors of the other Warblers and overlook the rest of the family. You are absolutely correct Tanja, I looked up the details on the OG and they predominantly invertebrate diners but says they will supplement with seeds (berries and fruits). Would assume this could definitely be a season change for sure as maybe bugs are more sparse in the colder times etc. – very astute observation Tanja – love it when we can all learn something! Take care and don’t let this one rude runner sway your opinion of the rest of us hehehe.
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Geez. One has to wonder why people behave as they do and why they need to “prove” themselves. When passing people on walking trails I will always talk to the dog, saying the same, “Hi pup!” And making a nice remark about the animal to its owner and generally get an affirmative thank you.
With such encounters I always fell bad for the animal because the owner evidently has less sense than the pet. Which then reminds of a line from the “Forrest Gump” movie, “You can’t fix Stupid.”
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It always surprises me when this happens and unfortunately it seems to be happening even more these last couple of years – not sure the cause, Covid isolation, politics, constant barrage of divisive media – one, all, who knows, but a bad trend for sure. I am right there with you Jerry – I always great the pets both to check the threat, put the owners at ease and give them at least one bright spot for the day. Unfortunately I might have offended the Woodchuck for mistaking it for a canine hehehe. Good point about the reflection on the owner and Darwin probably has that saying hanging on his afterlife wall. Appreciate you dropping in Jerry – I should make an effort to point out all the good encounters we have when we are out and about so these anomalies don’t shade the rest of our perspectives.
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Terrific photos of the Orange-crowned Warbler. We allegedly have them “in abundance” around here during migration, but I’ve only managed to see a couple each year. Photgraphs? Yeah, but the images could easily have been Golden Eagles or something.
I enjoyed your woodchuck encounter. We don’t have them in Florida and found them fascinating to watch when we lived in upstate New York.
Your rude runner experience was unfortunate, of course, and I had two thoughts. One, poor dog has to put up with that bully every day. Two, if I had to bet money, I’d say that dude was not born in the Lone Star State.
Stay safe out there!
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Thank you Wally. That is the advantage of “less than perfect”, you can make them anything you want – an Ivory-Billed Woodpecker comes to mind ha. For a rather cute critter, wow, are those things destructive. I tend to help them on their way when they cross onto our property. I have enough issues with Chipmunks and those holes are a 1/10 of the size – now in other properties, I’ll greet them with a smile. I definitely feel bad for that dog and non-Texan option is where I am at – I think too much of Texans in general to think this behavior would come from one of them (they also know their state rights for protection). Appreciate you coming by Wally, take care.
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Great captures…love the clarity of the white-rimmed eyes! Does appear perhaps a bit muted in nature, but the subtle hues bring out the appreciation for the gentle green undertone!
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Glad you enjoyed! I are spot on with the muting and the variations in the hues – all beautiful in their own special ways. Appreciate you coming by, have a great rest of your week.
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