Warblers: Minstels in Camouflage

Everyone needs challenges. One of mine is the warblers. The world is alive with their song – best described, I suppose, as… warbling. Contrary to what you might think, catching sight of a small, yellow-green bird that flits about high in the newly green tree canopies is not easy!

And the names – MacGillivray’s? Townsend’s? At least “Yellow-rumped”,” Orange-crowned” and “Yellow” Warblers are somewhat descriptive names. But, really, given a beautiful small bird with an incredibly lovely song – aren’t there better names? I think it would be a wonderful fundraiser for the Audubon Society or some other such agency to run a contest to re-name the birds of…well, we could start with Canada.

I do like warblers. It is truly spring when I can run along a leafy green mountain trail accompanied by warbler and other bird song. It is one of the great pleasures of my life.  Endorphins may be largely responsible for how I feel after running, but the ecstasy of sun,  new green leaves and bird song is a true spiritual high for me.

I just wish those warblers would sit still a bit longer so I could see them more often!

Here are some of the warblers that did sit for a portrait.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Townsend’s Warbler

MacGillivray’s Warbler

MacGillivray’s Warbler

Early spring Orange-crowned Warbler