We were targeting Kentucky Warblers in Howell Woods, but a few other species seem to have missed that memo. Perhaps they wanted us to study their migratory routes, too.

Or perhaps not.

This Eastern Towhee did not experience anything remotely horrifying enough to justify his expression.

The Eastern Towhee was our largest bycatch, a powerful handful of a bird. A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird was our smallest.

We also caught a female Indigo Bunting, only the barest hint of blue on her wrists to suggest the color for which her species is named.

She liked us a lot.

The oddest bird we met, I submit, was the Swainson’s Warbler.

This is a warbler with almost no color or pattern, a strangely angular body, and a meadowlark’s strong bill pasted onto its face. Why?

Why not?

A Hooded Warbler came along soon after to remind us what warblers usually look like.

I was prepared to be knocked out by the beauty of the Hooded Warbler—it’s impossible to miss that huge black eye in the sunshine face. I was not expecting to be bowled over by our last visitor, a familiar grey bird that packs an entirely new level of personality when seen up close: the Tufted Titmouse.

Oh who me?

Yeah I’ve got a crest.

And secret cinnamon sides; so?

You’d better hope I don’t tell my friends about you.