White-eyed Vireo

The White-eyed Vireo is often hiding low in thick bushes. I spotted this little guy (Below) while finishing a hike on the Kingsnake Trail in the Congaree National Park, SC (6/19/10). I heard him singing for several minutes before I finally saw him hiding in the leafy brush, and it took another several minutes of stalking him until I could get him sitting still enough (and somewhat open enough) to focus. Although it's not a great pic, I kind of like the quality of the blurred leaves surrounding him - it gives him a  mysterious and ethereal quality.

Northern Parula

Another bird that is rarely seen in Northern Illinois, but is abundant in the Southern Appalalachian states is the Northern Parula. I head their song often, and finally caught this Parula (below - 6/19/10) catching a snack, while hiking in the Congaree National Park in South Carolina.  Congaree is the newest formed National Park and is a delight. I loved the hardwood trees, the swamp, and the the abundance of birds - only (as I stated yestreday), very few found their way into my view finder. I need to do a better job locating and focussing on birds in the thick forest and dark environment such as the Congaree Swamp.