Summer Tanager and Canada Warbler were highlights of a Ledges visit this morning, for Emil Bacik and I.  This marks the first time I've encountered either species here in the summer, though Canada Warbler was certainly always hoped for.  We bumped into CVNP's resident gurus - Dwight & Ann Chasar - later in the morning, who had their last summering Canada here fifteen or so years ago.  Summer Tanager, while a bit more out-of-place, is a species that is pushing steadily northward as a breeder in this state.

The birds were singing in the same general area, 100-150 yards west along the ledges, reached via the gravel path from the upper Ledges parking area (not Happys Days).

Other notables included Brown Creeper, Black-throated Green Warbler (10), and junco (10), including a pair with two fledglings in tow.  Almost more interesting were those species not observed - Kentucky Warbler, Hermit Thrush, and Winter Wren.

Dwight & Ann tipped us to a Prairie Warbler on territory south of the park headquarters in Jaite, but we were unable to locate this bird in the mid-day heat.  A chat was here though, in its usual spot.

At the Coliseum grasslands, a couple Henslow's Sparrows were heard mid-day, and a Bobolink REPEATEDLY giving an uncanny Upland Sandpiper rendition.  While some blackbirds are known for mimicry, this was my first encounter with such a mixed-up Bobolink!

Good birding -
Gabe Leidy
Cleveland

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