Wintering Cape May warbler found in Enterprise, Oregon

© Tristen Hynes

The Cape May Warbler that has been wintering in Enterprise.

Dozens of birders who journeyed to Enterprise in recent weeks spent a chunk of their time trying to glimpse something that all agree is rather rare: a Cape May Warbler wintering in Oregon.

Among the visitors was Eugene resident Alan Contreras, co-editor of the 2003 guide, " According to Contreras, Wallowa County normally attracts birders during January from various locales - because "several kinds of birds are found there in winter that are hard to find elsewhere in Oregon," he says - and this year's sighting of the Cape May Warbler, early in January, added to the allure.

The warbler has been located generally near the southern end of Enterprise City Park. This is only the second time a Cape May Warbler has been spotted wintering in Oregon.

Contreras said the first time was in 2001 in relatively balmy Brookings. He said the species, which breeds in central to eastern Canada, normally winters in the Caribbean or in Central America.

After visitors from Portland made the initial sighting here, birders visiting from Eugene, Albany and Corvallis relocated the warbler on Sunday, Jan. 18, Contreras said. The following weekend brought groups from the Salem Audubon Society and the Bend Bird Club. In all, roughly 50 such enthusiasts made the trip during January, Contreras estimated.

Contreras said Enterprise's Cape May Warbler has been living "off of suet feeders and whatever it gets out of old apples." He expects it to remain here until winter ends, but its survival can't be assumed.

Range of S. tigrina

Breeding range in yellow. Wintering range in blue.

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