Coyote and Blackburnian Warbler

I'm reluctant to do composite blips, but in this case I couldn't bear to omit either of these two critters: A Coyote and a male Blackburnian Warbler in and around the town of Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. We've seen several coyotes but none anywhere near this close (the image is cropped somewhat at the top, but only a bit at the right). We approached in our van, and the coyote held its ground for a little while--very unusual!

The Blackburnian (Dendroica fusca)is among my very favorite New World warblers, which are generally much brighter than the Eurasian warblers (not closely related). It breeds in northerly forests, and winters in South America. It's the theme bird on my website, and I've had good luck photographing them.

This is the second day of our birding tour in Western Canada. Our leader is Tom Hince of Leamington, Ontario--a top North American birder and a superb guide. He has probably the best ear for bird songs and calls that I have ever experienced. Special birds that we saw today included a Connecticut Warbler, and Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrows--all on their boreal (northern) breeding grounds.