Star Island, one of the Isles of Shoals off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire, is a classic ‘migrant trap’. Birds migrating at night look for land as the sun rises. Those flying out over the Gulf of Maine will often find the off shore islands and promontories on the mainland as convenient spots to spend the day resting and eating before heading out again to continue their northward movement at dusk. Thus, places such as Star Island often see an influx of ‘new’ birds each morning. On a good day there can be hundreds of small birds (e.g. warblers and sparrows among others) on the island.
The photography is also good for two reasons in addition to the presence of birds. There are few large trees on Star Island but there are lots of low shrubs. Thus, most of the birds are at or near eye-level instead of high up in the canopy as they are in more forested locations. Additionally, in early Spring, there are few leaves on the vegetation making it easier to see and photograph the birds.
This year migrating warblers were on the scarce side. However, there was a good selection of other species present during my stay. Additionally, the usual resident birds (e.g. common eiders, swallows, gulls and the ubiquitous gray catbirds) were always available to photograph.
Here are a dozen and a half of the many photos I made.
More than amazed at the great variety that found you on this trek. And, you have identified them as well! Off to Part Three. . .