Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler
 Late every spring warblers invade Minnesota. Starting typically in late April and running through the first few week of May warblers stop by on their way migrating north. How long that they stay depends n the weather. In years where we have an early spring they hardly stop at all but in years where winter lingers we can see them for a week or two. Last winter was a great year for photographing warblers. Winter lasted very late and when the warblers came through in May they stayed for a while because their were no insects to eat further up north. The late winter also meant that the trees had not leafed out yet which makes the warblers much easier to see. This year has the possibility of being another good year for warblers watching. We have had some warm days lately which has some of the trees budding but a cold snap this week with a possibility of a little snow might help slow things down just enough for us to et a good warbler showing this year.
Palm Warbler
One of the earlier species to come back through are the palm warblers. The reason that they are one of the first back is because they do not winter as far south as most warblers. They typically winter in the southern U.S and Caribbean, while most species of warblers head down to Central and South America for the winter. Palms breed in northern Canada. They are found mostly in the eastern half of North America. I often hear palm warblers before I see them. Instead of flitting around in the trees like most warblers they are usually foraging through the leaf litter, like a fox sparrow, looking for insects and seeds. 




11 comments:

Kate said...

You are definitely a master birder with lots of knowledge that complements your fantastic photos.

Maude Lynn said...

Lovely shots!

Anonymous said...

lovely little bird and I'm sure it has a lovely song

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

A beautiful little Warbler ... I believe I have seen one here as well. Like you the birds stay longer if winter lasts longer, but this year it lasted too long. The Ice on the lakes stayed frozen so all of the water birds went elsewhere and we are just beginning to see the Warbler. I worry when they come and there is no food source. Good post Ecobirder ... I always learn something new from you.

Andrea @ From The Sol

Sue H said...

Love your bird shots and all the wonderful information you share. Something just dawned on me as your site came up this time...paparazzi is plural, paparazzo is singular.

Roger Owen Green said...

I'm sure the weather PERPLEXED the birds!

genie said...

I love how in the second shot the warbler blends in beautifully with the bud on the tree. What an interesting coincidence they were side by side in your capture.

AmitAag said...

Cute bird!
http://amitaag.blogspot.in/2014/04/passage.html

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Wonderful shots and great information. Thanks

Joy said...

Beautiful marking and interesting information. Birds that mark the season give a special feeling.
Joy - ABC Team

Dave said...

A really lovely species. Fantastic images