A Blackburnian Warbler Moment

Spring migration isn't complete or satisfying without a sighting of Blackburnian Warblers.  We spotted him a week later than usual but up close and personal because of Gunnar's water feature.  G sat below looking up the waterfall and I sat on the steps to the deck looking down at the bush and the high sides of the structure.  It was perfect!!!  G's perfect shot was published in The Albert Lea Tribune. It is the last beautiful photo.

 Gunnar's published photo 

Black-throated Green & Chestnut-sided Warblers

             Both  Black-throated Green and Chestnut-sided Warblers are spectacular but                           common migrating Warblers that nest in Northern Minnesota and Canada.  

Black-throated Green Warbler

 

Chestnut-sided Warbler 

                                                                                          Photo by Gunnar

Nashville & Mourning Warblers and Parula Warbler

There were only a few of these more flashy Warblers. Nashville and Mourning Warblers both have yellow breasts and gray heads but what's under the chin is what distinguishes them.  The Mourning Warblers have dark gray to black like a veil or hood. Northern Parulas are more blue gray with yellow on their chest with a colorful ban of rust. 

                                      Nashville 

Mourning  - Not as clear as the others but the black under the gray hood can be seen. 

Northern Parula Gunnar's Photo

Tennessee Warblers Stunning in Understatement

I never noted the Tennessee Warblers in past years.  They are so subtle that they could go unnoticed. They are most gray with hint of yellow and a strong line through the eye.  Female more muted without yellow.  This year they stayed around very visible for a few days and could not ignored. One of the few Warblers species that fly and bath together.   

Canada, Wilson and Yellow Warbler

Here are three most yellow Warblers with a few accents to make them different.  A Wilson Warbler wears a black cap while the Yellow Warbler has red strips for camouflage. The Canada has a black necklace with the female's much paler.  The bright sunlight and new green oak leaves do provide some cover. Best shots are in the water feature while waiting to drink or bath.

Canada Male (Gunnar's photo)

Wilson's Warblers                                           

Yellow Warblers hiding

Mother's Day Warblers: Blackpoll and Bay-Breasted

Warblers were slow in coming this spring.  But on May 14, after our walk to White's Woods a Bay-breasted showed up near our water feature. The walk, a bust for Warblers but It was a pleasant family walk with a happy hunting dog wandering free.  We all finally spotted a Rose-breasted Grosbeak that was singing loudly.  A Blackpoll showed up later in the afternoon. Swainson's Thrushes were plentiful for about a week in the trees and on the ground. 

Blackpoll Warbler 

Swainson's Thrush above

Bay-breasted Warbler

Scarlet Tanager, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch

It is hard to ignore a Scarlet Tanager or a photo bombing Nuthatch.  The male is so bright red it almost hurts your eyes. Flycatchers on the other hand are very subtle but a rare sighting.   I Love Spring!