A Few Bright Meadow Birds

I started the day this morning with a trip to the meadows of Naugatuck State Forest, where the usual spring explosion of extra-colorful birds is well underway. It was great to see (and hear) the Eastern Towhees back for a new season, and nearly every nest box had a pair of pristine Tree Swallow in residence:

I think these birds are extremely pretty, and I'm always glad to see them when they return from their winters away:
 

Several warblers were hanging around as well, including this male Blue-winged Warbler, who paused every few seconds while foraging among pale pink (apple?) blossoms to sing his wheezy-breath song:
 

In the woods, a male Black-and-White Warbler was also alternating between foraging and singing. I think this guy has one of the coolest bird outfits around:
 

So many stripes! And you gotta love that nuthatch-like trunk-creeping action:
 

Those stripes look cool from any angle, and I think they make for kind of an intense face:
 

Both of these warblers nest in Connecticut, so maybe they'll stop their journey here and make a family in these woods. If not, here's wishing them luck on the rest of their migration! I'll be on the lookout for more creatures passing through in the busy (fun) weeks to come. :)