Both photos ©Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.orgA bit premature, perhaps, but the yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata) has returned. Last year, late winter/early spring found me all agog at the spectacle of a sizable flock of these little warblers. They stayed in this area for about 3-4 weeks and I never noticed them again, for the rest of the season.
This morning, as I filled feeders and waited for the dog to secure her perimeter fences, a small, flitting bird caught my eye. A shy, solitary female, was trying to pluck up enough courage to enter through the protective wire of a squirrel-proof feeder. A glance from the window, later on, revealed that she was, indeed, dining on birdseed.
What first alerted me to their arrival last season, was the quick, darting flight and constant activity. Because of this, they were hard to identify, initially. But, once I noticed those flashes of yellow, I was able to positively identify the yellow-rumped warbler.
I have never seen warblers in our area, until last year, when I actually identified three distinct species. The black-and-white and black-throated warblers were observed shortly after the yellow-rumped warblers, with only the black-throated staying to nest and use the birdbath for much of the summer. The Eastern Kingbird was another new visitor to my yard and they went absolutely wild over the fruit of my pagoda dogwood.
What a joy, on a cold and snowy morning, to observe that sweet, shy little bird. I'll be on the lookout for the rest of the yellow-rumped warblers, as well as any new species that care to drop by. These days, with rapidly shrinking habitat, a large swamp with hills, trees and shrubs, right in the middle of suburbia, probably passes for a wildlife preserve. And so, I shall continue to garden responsibly with low-impact solutions, that encourage the presence and assistance that wild birds provide... and, yes, I'll enjoy the spring show!
If you haven't already discovered this website, check it out... "Birds of North America" at whatbird.projectwildbird.org has many great features, offering numerous ways to key out any bird in question, a nice companion to a good field guide (I'll never give up my Peterson's Guides!) Have fun out there, seeking new backyard birds.
©Deb Lambert 2008
9 comments:
What an aptly-named bird. They are adorable! Did I mention before that I love the way you've revamped this blog? I love the cow pic in your header.
I love these diminutive birds and, yes, the name certainly is appropriate. Glad you like the 'new look' - it was time for a bit of spring cleaning and redecorating. When I first saw those Irish cows, last fall, I knew they'd be making several appearances, not necessarily traipsing across the header - but I'm glad they are! ..... Deb
Hi Deb!
I love this little yellow rumped warbler too ! .. the only yellow ones we have seen so far in our back garden have been those show offs the Goldfinch family and wow .. do they shine .. we restricted our feeder to Niger seed but we have loads of other birds come in for water and refuge. I think the word has spread we have a quiet garden ? LOL
I was sure I was here before but things do look different and the cows are great !
Thanks for stopping by my hang out too !
Joy : )
Joy - you're right... you did drop by before, but I succumbed to that springtime urge to have a good clear-out and redecorate, in honor of the arrival of spring this month. It's either do that or sharpen & oil my pruners for the 14th time! Just a little impatient for moderating temperatures and NO MORE SNOW... Deb
Joy - Forgot to mention the goldfinches. You must have a nice little sanctuary for them. Ours never appear until until spring is well under way. All summer they feast on my cosmos and sunflowers. I usually have a flock of around eight birds, that come and go as a unit, chattering excitedly about everything and the birdbath antics are not to be missed... Deb
"Pretty Bird!" "Pretty Bird!" "Pretty Bird!" "Pretty Bird!" "Pretty Bird!"
I sort of know what kind of bird says that.
We do have some cardinals now that it is warming. Do they come south for the summer?
I definitely am not a bird person, but I just peeked at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site, All About Birds, to find your warbler. It would be hard for me to tell an immature male from a young female.
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Jim - I am definitely not an expert, but as far as I know, and according to Peterson's Field Guide map, the northern cardinal's year 'round range extends from the east coast westward, but not to the west coast. Maybe it's more of an 'incidental' in your area?
My local population was 5 males and 2 females, last winter. After nesting season, they seemed to have thinned out - too many for one area, I think. This winter just 2 males (who chase each other constantly) and 1 female.
It did seem a sign of hope that spring is coming, to see that little female warbler, this morning... Deb
Hi Deb,
I assume these are eastern birds? I don't think I've ever seen them. (But, I'm far from an expert!!) ;-)
Shady G - Cornell's 'All About Birds' has a good range map of this warbler. Their year 'round range seems to be largely southeastern, extending to parts of the west coast. Mid-U.S. seems to be either migratory route or summer breeding range.
Cape Cod and southern MA seem to be within their winter range. North of Boston, appears to be summer breeding territory. Although, as I mentioned, they didn't seem to nest here, last year (my first year seeing them). It will be interesting to see if they remain through breeding season this year.
Even more spectacular are the two other warblers that arrived last year...black-and-white and the black-throated... oh, and the Eastern Kingbird! Looks to be a fine year for backyard bird watching... Deb
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