Hi Birdwatchers!
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Fall warblers like this female Black-throated Blue can be difficult to i.d.
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We sure have enjoyed these last few weeks - wonderful weather, leaves beginning to change and lots of birds stopping by for a quick visit on their southward migration. We've seen both Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a few thrushes. But we've really gotten a kick out of all the
warblers we've seen, including lots of
Magnolia Warblers,
Tennessee Warblers and striking
American Redstarts! Our field trip to Price Park back on September 23rd yielded 48 total species, including 9 warbler species.
Most of us are familiar with
Pine Warblers and
Yellow-rumped Warblers that come to our
suet feeders during the winter and spring; but there are over 30 species of warblers that either breed in our state, pass through during migration or spend the winter. These tiny jewels come in a variety of colors and have unique behaviors. Some hang out in the treetops, others skulk on the ground or in dense shrubs.
Black-and-white Warblers act like nuthatches climbing up and down tree trunks. Warblers often travel in flocks so if you see one, look carefully, you may see a dozen or so! Listen for soft chip notes as they call to each other.
Warblers don't eat bird seed, but Bob and Deb Zaremba, customers at our Kennesaw store, have success attracting these migrants to their yard by putting out red grapes, watermelon and mealworms. While Tennessee Warblers are their most common visitors, they have also seen Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted and even a Nashville Warbler! Check out their
Watermelon Wars photo gallery! Amazing! You can offer grapes or other fruit on one of our
fruit feeders, and you can also attract warblers and other migrants to a
bird bath, so make sure and keep it filled with fresh, clean water.
