5-11-21 Blackburnian Warbler

The last two weeks have been a bit of a blur!

Some of you know this bird and it will be revealed to all at the end. Let's take a look at some of the migrants that have stopped in to rest, refuel and refresh before heading on to their breeding grounds.

5-3-21 FOY #100 Blackpoll Warbler female

A female Blackpoll Warbler perched briefly, a male was seen high in the pond cypress. Their orangey legs help to give them away.

5-5-21 Northern Parula

Northern Parulas were more vocal early in the month. Their chestnut and black breast bands deepen each year in the males.

5-6-21 Golden-winged Warbler 5-7-21 Golden-winged Warbler female

Golden-winged Warblers, both male and female have been frequent visitors. They are one of the most endangered of our migratory birds and yards with lots of native oaks and other plants help to sustain them and 96% of our native songbirds.

5-8-21 Northern Waterthrush

A Northern Waterthrush found small larvae in the string algae at the bubbler. I'm never too quick to scrub the algae away because it is beneficial.

5-8-21 Magnolia Warbler

After struggling to get a photo of this Magnolia Warbler, which was foraging frantically, it suddenly stopped to sing! Ah, feed them and rewards will come.

5-8-21 Philadelphia Vireo

Philadelphia Vireos come in with the mixed flocks. Sometimes confused with the Tennessee Warbler, this species enjoys splash-bathing.

5-9-21 Chestnut-sided Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warblers are often heard singing, "Pleased, pleased, pleased to meet 'cha!" Ditto, I'm sure!

5-9-21 White-crowned Sparrow

A White-crowned Sparrow came in this year. I don't take this one for granted, the last time I had one was May of 2018.

5-10-21 Canada Warbler

This is the only Canada Warbler that I've been able to see this year. Every spring can vary quite a bit with the mixed flocks that circle the 'hood.

5-10-21 Orange-crowned Warbler

A beautiful male Orange-crowned Warbler bathed and revealed its secret.

5-9-21 Wilson's Warbler

A Wilson's Warbler popped in to bathe after filling up on caterpillars.

5-10-21 Common Yellowthroat in Gooseberry patch

This female Common Yellowthroat, a small warbler, spent a lot of time deep in the gooseberry patch. It would come out briefly, then dive back in. The thorny Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) supports at least 60 different moth and butterfly caterpillars, which forage on the leaves and then may become food for birds.

  5-14-21 Great Crested Flycatcher

A pair of Great Crested Flycatchers have been such fun to watch as they sally out to catch gnats and other flying insects. It's a pretty sure bet that they are the pair that nest here.

5-7-21 Red-eyed Vireo   5-16-21 Red-eyed Vireo dive bombs Chestnut-sided Warbler

Another vireo, the Red-eyed was caught as it dive-bombed a Chestnut-sided Warbler!

5-16-21 Black-throated Green Warbler

Striking Black-throated Green Warblers seem to show up every spring and it's always a delight to hear their " zee-zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee!" song. Then again, one might hear their alternate song, "zee-zee-zoo-zoo-zee!"  

5-16-21 Bay-breasted Warblers and Tennessee Warbler

5-16-21 Bay-breasted Warbler female

5-17-21 Bay-breasted Warbler

There are indeed, uncommon species that make my heart stop, like the Bay-breasted Warbler. I don't always get to see this one in breeding plumage. Last year was exceptional with males here for10 days. This year, I've seen two males and a female so far. Yesterday, this male spiked up its crown which is a new behavior to me! 

5-11-21 Blackburnian Warbler 5-11-21 Blackburnian Warbler

Ah, yes. the Fire-throat! Blackburnian Warbler, another gob-smacking eyeful of incredible beauty. If you'd like to see all the images of these and even more migrants, check out the gallery beginning here: 

Birds since 5-5-21

If you just have that hankering for warblers, start here:  

Warblers since 5-5-21

It's still raining here, but I just saw another Bay-breasted Warbler...