Wondrous Warblers

When first dating my husband Bruce, we would sit outside on his patio enjoying the pleasant spring weather. Once in a while, Bruce would spot an interesting bird and attempt to identify it using a bird field guide. At the time, I was a big nature lover but had little knowledge of our stunning avian friends. If Bruce was able to identify the mystery bird, he would show me a photograph and read the short description the book offered. I fondly remember leafing through the bird photographs, oohing and ahhing at all the beautiful birds. The  Wood-Warbler section especially captured my attention, as so many of the birds had strikingly colorful feathers and interesting markings. I enthusiastically exclaimed, "Oh, I would LOVE to see a Hooded Warbler ... or a Magnolia Warbler ... or a Cerulean Warbler! Oh my goodness, Blackburnian Warbler's are  breathtaking ... so are the Golden-winged Warblers!" At the time, I had no idea that I could view these lovely birds in my own backyard or nearby parks during the spring and autumn months.

Many years have passed and now birding and nature photography have become two of my favorite hobbies. Every spring and fall, I eagerly explore our country property, local parks and nature preserves hoping to spot  those glorious, marvelous, wondrous warblers. This colorful post features several of the many warblers I have had the pleasure of observing over the past few years.

A stunning Chestnut-sided Warbler hunts for food at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

There is no doubt why this beautiful Canada Warbler is nicknamed the "Necklaced Warbler"

A striking Hooded Warbler forages near a fallen tree

Busily working its way down a tree ~ Black-and-white Warbler

A Black-throated Blue Warbler looks for sustenance amid the blooming tree branches

A Blue-winged Warbler croons merrily on our country property

Always a feast for the eyes ~ American Redstart

A radiant Yellow Warbler sings a delightful tune

A Magnolia Warbler shows off his attractive plumage

Splendor in the grass ~ Blackburnian Warbler

The striking masked face of a Common Yellowthroat

A beautiful Yellow-rumped Warbler pauses on a limb

The chestnut cap of a handsome Palm Warbler 

A Prothonotary Warbler seeks insects along the edges of North Pond 

Foraging amid the tree buds ~ Black-throated Green Warbler

A lovely sight up in the treetops ~ Yellow-throated Warbler

A Nashville Warbler searches for food among the lush green leaves

Posted by Julie Gidwitz

http://naturessplendor-julie.blogspot.com/