Male BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Santee Lakes / May 7, 2018)

The big highlight was a shocker adult male BLACKPOLL WARBLER which surprised at point black range along the east edge of Lake 4 (near the middle of the lake by the small bridge/dock) while I was perusing the multiple blooming silk oaks for migrants. It spent most of its time low in the small live oaks by the fence line but also hopped up into the silk oaks. 

 

This is my first ever sighting of an adult male, having only seen dull female types in fall previously. Initially I almost passed it off as a Black-throated Gray as the bird was partially obscured but I was struck by the super short tail, then it emerged into full view and I realized what I had!

EBird checklist with a low res docushot I was able to snap with my phone when it hopped onto the fence about 5ft away from me:

Eitan Altman

San Carlos