I was birding Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center (south Columbus) and the immediate surrounding area, which is owned by the Columbus Water Works (CWW), on Wednesday, April 26, 2000 when I got a rather pleasant surprise. This property covers about 1600 acres, and can be hard for one person to cover. I had been working on a checklist for CWW and thought I'd try to land some good neotropical stuff passing through. Thickets and undergrowth along any major river floodplain can be a great migrant trap (i.e., Cochran Shoals in Atlanta). I was investigating the north end of the property along the Columbus Riverwalk when I found a patch of willows and small hardwoods near one of CWW's application fields. I had never birded this thicket before but it seemed to be full of bird activity.

I remember hearing a Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) and a Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) amongst the foliage. So, to get a better look, I "pished." Many birds gathered immediately, including a very plain looking, but interesting passerine. This bird was rather drab (olive/gray in color) with a trace of "spectacles" typical of many vireo species. It was about 5-6 feet in front of me, but I couldn't decide what to call it. It was obviously a vireo, but I dismissed as a juv. White-eyed (Vireo griseus) or anything other than a Bell's. The bird moved away from me-- about 20 feet. I kept my eye on it, but just shook my head and didn't want to bother trying to figure it out.

Then, it started singing, and I couldn't ignore it! I had heard Bell's Vireo songs before on CD's before trips out west (always trying to be prepared!) and realized this bird sounded a heck of lot like what I remembered a Bell's Vireo sounding like. It called for about 10 minutes and of course I didn't have a camera or recorder (I keep both handy now). Unfortunately, I had classes through the afternoon and evening and had to leave the bird around noon.

I listened to the Bell's song when I got home and was all but positive that that's what was in those willows. I returned the next morning and played a Bell's Vireo tape. There was no response at first. I did "pish" up a bird that was a good candidate for the Bell's, but it was dark and foggy. Finally, at 7:50 AM, I played the tape and the bird responded twice before it clammed up for the next 4 hours!! Fortunately, I had time to run to school and call folks and post it on Georgia Birders Online (GABO) before I returned to the spot a 3rd time. Many birders showed up to confirm this wonderful account! A few pictures were taken but unfortunately, no song recordings were made.

Description:

• About 5 inches long.

• The head, back, and tail were the afore-mentioned olive-gray.

• The light gray "spectacles" were evident on the greenish head.

• Interesting note was the relatively long tail that was cocked and/or flicked around like a gnatcatcher or Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla).

• The belly was gray.

• The song was the typical rapid fussing or scolding "jibity-JURbity-jibity-WEer!".

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