America’s small, hyperactive wood warblers are among the most sought after birds for birders, as they are colorful and have distinctive songs. Central Florida birder and photographer Frank Salmon caught the ‘warbler bug’ at the Orlando area’s birding hot spot Mead Botanical Garden. He says, “it’s these guys that get me out of bed at 5am. I won’t be satisfied until I see every species in North America.”
Frank has enjoyed the Magee Marsh warbler mecca in Ohio in May when warblers are migrating north from their South American wintering grounds. He visits Fort DeSoto Park, Florida’s spring warbler fallout site, and in Arizona has climbed a peak to photograph the Red-faced Warbler, located the vagrant Rufous-capped Warbler, traveled to Mt. St. Helens for other western species, and photographed tropical species in the Bahamas and Costa Rica.
Frank has most recently photographed endangered songbirds in Hawaii, all using eBird to find the best spots and rarities. In this presentation, he will tell us about his adventures chasing warblers and how eBird helps. This is a not-to-be-missed talk. Frank’s photography can be seen on his FLICKR site. Join us Friday, January 18th, at 4:30pm for the meet-and-green, following by dinner at 5:30pm and talk at 6pm.
Cost is $20, including dinner. Registration required at www.orangeaudubonfl.org/festival.