I don't usually see much warbler activity in my yard during the summer. I know a few warbler species nest in my area, I just don't see much of them until fall migration. So when I saw five different warbler species in my yard on a very warm (mid-80s) day last week, I was both thrilled and surprised.
Here are the three I was able to capture an image of:
The camera shy warblers were an American Redstart and a Common Yellowthroat.
I know I have two more warblers around this summer that just didn't show up that day. A few days earlier I saw this Black- throated Green Warbler.
And here's a female Yellow-rumped Warbler that was gathering nest material in my yard in early June. And I just recently saw the male yellow-rumped foraging in our trees.
I hope this is a sign of a good warbler breeding year that will lead to a great fall warbler migration, maybe one that will add a new bird or two to my yard list!
Matthew, I'm sticking with Blackburnian mainly because the streaking does not come across the breast or into the throat.
Frankly, I'd love to have a Cape May Warbler because it would be a new yard bird for me, but I just don't think it is. I welcome more thoughts and opinions though!!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | September 10, 2014 at 10:22 AM
The "Blackburnian" Warbler in your photo is actually a Cape May. The grayish cheek patch and color that is more dandelion yellow instead of orange shows it's a Cape May.
You're lucky to get those guys in your yard!
Matthew Janson- Charlotte, NC
Posted by: Matthew Janson | September 06, 2014 at 11:18 AM
Joyce, good sighting on the Black-throated Blue! I love that warbler because they're so easy to ID (at least the adult males are!)
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 31, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Wow, how lucky for you. I recognized the black-throated blue warbler. I saw it briefly a few weeks ago in my yard and could not identify it. Thanks, now I know.
Posted by: Joyce Conley | July 30, 2014 at 12:28 PM