Warblers

Black-throated Green Warbler

When I say the word "warbler", I groan.  It's an intimidating word.  They are not easy birds to observe. Nor do they like to pose for the camera.  

Yellow Warbler

And it's not just me.  There are a lot of people out there who feel the same way.  They take time and patience.  A LOT of patience. 

Kirtland's Warbler

In Wisconsin, we took on the difficult task of finding nesting warblers.  We missed migration and we knew our job would not be an easy one. 

American Redstart

And to make things even trickier, we arrived at a time when most warblers are silent.  Nesting birds are often secretive as there are hungry birds and mammals out there wanting a little protein.  

Kentucky Warbler

Cowbirds eye up nests as adults collect nesting material.  They wait patiently so that they can lay their own eggs in another bird's nest.  This is the way of the brood parasite.  

Cerulean Warbler

Warblers in the birding world are considered gems.  They are beautiful but that is true about a great many other birds. And yet warblers are held to a higher standard.....

Red-faced Warbler

Over time, I've listened to other birders speak of warblers in a way that can only be described as reverence.  No other bird group gets that recognition except maybe hummingbirds, Birds of Paradise and the Resplendent Quetzal. I'm sure I'm missing a few other groups;)

Blue-winged Warbler

I think of warblers as impossible.  Always doing their own thing and not really having a care about the other birds around them. Hop under the leaf and feed....always hiding in the shadows.  

Grace's Warbler

Rarely sitting long enough for a photo. There isn't any secret way to find them.  It's all about luck and being in the right place at the right time. 

Golden-winged Warbler

The one thing that gives a warbler away is its chip note or call.  

Townsend's Warbler

There are so many similar calls that it can often be difficult to get your eyes on the right bird.  For example, I think I hear a Pine Warbler call and it's really a Chipping Sparrow!

Pine Warbler

And I think for that reason, warblers can be one of the most difficult bird groups to find. 

Mourning Warbler

So when a birder finds a warbler, it's always a celebration. 

Until next time......