Lifers at Magee Marsh

I got two Life Birds (birds I've seen for the first time in my life) at Magee Marsh this weekend. The first one, I got with the help of Bill of the Birds, aka BT3, Bill Thompson, III, editor of the birding magazine Bird Watcher's Digest, book author, trip leader extraordinaire, vice-president of the Ohio Ornithological Society, and all-around great birder. It was a Philadelphia Vireo, and here is the photographic evidence:

The second one I saw without Bill.

Kirtland's Warbler*

Now, you be the judge - is it better to go birdin' with Bill, or without him?

[Did I mention that Bill is also a really good sport?]

* * * * *

*For the non-birders who read this blog, the Kirtland's Warbler is an extremely rare bird, which only breeds in one small place in Michigan and which is very, very difficult to find anywhere but on those breeding grounds. To see one in Ohio is a really, really big deal. The expert trip leaders who help get us on this bird have concluded that he is a young male, so he isn't quite as showy as a full adult male would be. I'm still very, very happy to have seen him, and to have gotten a definitive photo.

The Philadelphia Vireo, in contrast, is much more common, has a much wider distribution range, and is much easier to see. I am no less happy to have picked up this bird. This brings the total number of Life Birds Bill has gotten for me to four. Thanks, Bill!