Warbler Day

Unprecedentedly warm weather in Minnesota - 70s today on March 16th -  brings to mind a similar day last year on May 15, 2011.  I was on the lookout for warblers that travel through here in May.   I became aware in the morning that there were warblers everywhere.

The first one I spotted in the green ash in our front yard -  a tree I've never liked or that seemed particularly bird friendly.  I was entranced with this spectacular little bird, a Blackburnian Warbler,  as it moved rapidly along the branches.

This Nashville Warbler hung out in a neighbors lilac tree right next to our garden.  It is similar to the Yellow Warbler, which I'm familiar with because it nests during the summer at my Wisconsin orchard.  I got help from friends with the warbler identification - this required the expertise of serious birders.

This is a Tennessee Warbler in another neighbor's apple tree.   Trees were just budding out - only a few days later the birds could hide behind the new leaves, making capturing them difficult.    I was extraordinarily lucky to get these birds - I spend only an hour all told during that day bird hunting.    And all these photos were taken while I was standing in my suburban yard.  Maybe I can do as well when authentic spring arrives this year, although serendipity clearly was involved.