Warbler Watching

Today would be a good day for warbler watching.

The emerging leaves are tiny, enhancing your chances of seeing these cute little birds. This Wilson's Warbler was at eye level and willing to be photographed in his fresh breeding finery.

Wilson's Warblers are common throughout the continental United States and Canada. Look for them gleaning insects from the new twigs and leaves.

Another common and easily recognized warbler is the Yellow-rumped Warbler.

You may be lucky and see one at your feeder if you put out raisins, sunflower seed, suet or peanut butter.

But with the hatch of fresh insects rising from the weeds right now, your offerings may be a second choice.

The Black and White Warbler is another stand-out warbler. 

Striped as a 'jailbird', this bouncy little warbler is usually found hopping up and down tree trunks.  He's searching for insects and invertebrates.

Black and White Warblers lead the warbler migration northward each year.

They're in Wisconsin now.

An Ovenbird scratches the leaf litter in search of food.

According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds:
Its nest, a leaf-covered dome resembling an old-fashioned outdoor oven, gives the Ovenbird its name.

The Palm Warbler is another May warbler... widespread... easy to find with a bit of trying.

Binoculars make birding far more enjoyable. 

Birds seem to fly away when you're just close enough to distinguish their features. That's the frustrating part of birding.

(Click any picture to enlarge.)

Yellow is a popular color in warblers. This one is simply called the Yellow Warbler.

There're more than 50 species of warblers in America. If you wonder why all these colorful birds aren't in your neighborhood, your location may not be 'bird friendly'.

Or, it could be you never got close enough to see what's there. Binoculars will help, but there is nothing more important than an awareness of their existence.

Allan

Credits:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
The Sibley's Guide to Birds