May has brought some welcome surprises this year! Last Wednesday, a dull yellow warbler came down through the canopy. I had not seen one of this species for seven years. It was a female Hooded Warbler! It didn't stay long, but what a thrill to see this rare migrant show up here. 

Hooded Warbler female 5-8-19 Hooded Warbler female 5-8-19 Hooded Warbler female 5-8-19

Here's a video from April 18, 2012 when a male Hooded Warbler took a bath in the swampy thicket. Striking bird!

The rains have made visits to the Bubbler less frequent but Black-and-white Warblers have been checking it out. The male has more black on its face.

Black-and-white Warbler 5-8-19

Black-and-white Warbler female 5-14-19

Birds have been feeding heavily in the wet canopy all week long. It was a thrill to watch a Golden-winged Warbler finding caterpillars to eat on the wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). The Golden-winged Warbler is a species of high conservation concern so I am always glad to have them here to rest and to feed.

The hydrangeas are mature enough to attract a small moth called the Hydrangea Leaf-tier Moth (Olethreutes ferriferana). The moth lays eggs on the leaves and the caterpillars cement two leaves together with their silk, forming a protective purse for them to feed on and grow in. Fascinating! This pouch is also called an "Oddball". I've seen Blue-winged, Nashville, Tennessee Warblers and Common Yellowthroats feed on these as well. Look closely, there is a tiny caterpillar on the bird's bill.
 

Golden-winged Warbler 5-10-19 Golden-winged Warbler 5-10-19 Golden-winged Warbler 5-10-19

Here is more on the moth:  Hydrangea Leaf-tier moth

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been in the trees eating caterpillars and at the feeders eating lots of seed! The female is brownish, the male quite spectacular in contrast.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5-8-19
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5-10-19

A pair of Broad-winged Hawks has been in the neighborhood, hunting and resting before moving on. One has been in the sugar maple by the pond on at least two occasions. They've also been seen circling high over the yard together.

Broad-winged Hawk 5-10-19

On Tuesday, 5-14-19, a few warblers finally came to bathe. There are so many puddles around, it was nice to see them come in. A gorgeous Blackburnian Warbler, the "Firethroat" was first.

Blackburnian Warbler 5-14-19 Blackburnian Warbler 5-14-19

It was soon followed by a Golden-winged Warbler, which made my day. To know this bird especially is finding everything it needs right now is pure joy.

  Golden-winged Warbler 5-14-19

Golden-winged Warbler 5-14-19 Golden-winged Warbler 5-14-19

An American Redstart was followed by a Tennessee Warbler. Then, a Chestnut-sided Warbler had a love affair with the Bubble!

American Redstart 5-14-19 Tennessee Warbler 5-14-19 Chestnut-sided Warbler 5-14-19 Chestnut-sided Warbler 5-14-19 Chestnut-sided Warbler 5-14-19

There was a new arrival yesterday, a Canada Warbler, FOY #111. I heard it when I went out early and watched it foraging. However, the roaring noise from various machines in the neighborhood seemed to drive the birds away. Maybe this morning will bring peace and they'll return! We can only hope...

To view the many photos from the last week, begin here:  Second week of May birds