Sunday, June 2, 2013

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


15 comments:

  1. Julie, you have a wonderful collection of warblers. Lucky you, to have them right there on your property. I think i would be there exploring everyday, great shots of these beautiful birds.

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  2. Preciosas capturas de estas bonitas aves.Un abrazo

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  3. Exquisite photos, Julie! Each warbler is so beautiful, I would love to see the Blackburnian Warbler!

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  4. Incredible Julie! I love all of these warblers! I just saw my first red-faced warbler yesterday. They are magnificent birds :-)

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  5. Beautiful warbler photos, Julie!

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  6. Those warbler photos are gorgeous Julie! There are so many times that I see warblers and don't even manage to get a warbler photo in focus, let alone stunning ones yours. I am quietly encouraged to see that it took you some time to compile all of these great shots.

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  7. What a great story. I often try to convey the same message when I talk to people about birding. Until a few years ago I had no idea that there were so many birds beyond my front door. It makes me smile when I'm out, bent back with binoculars looking up into a tree and people just walk by. I think to myself, man you don't know what your missing. I'm just glad I found it.

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  8. Missed one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theweiders/8917321422/

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  9. Absolutely stunning collection of warbler images Julie! Your enthusiasm and appreciation for warblers shines through your photos. Awesome post!

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  10. Wow ...... I don't think there are words to describe how amazingly awesome these birds are .... your shots are stunning!! WOW again!

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  11. Lovely, lovely images of one of my favorite groups of birds. So glad you found birding and photography to enrich your life. Wish spring warbler migration would last all summer!!
    Lillian Stokes

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  12. Julie,

    Thank you for these amazing, beautiful images and the post honoring warblers. They are one of the real treasures of the natural world. Late last spring, I watched a group of black-throated blue warblers at a farm field of the Mohonk Preserve. I had not seen them before. In recent weeks, I've seen a return of warblers and the bobolinks to this area -- what a gift!

    Your photos of the warblers are astounding and beautiful!

    Susan

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  13. Fantastic series, Julie! I admire your photographic skills - warblers are so difficult! I'd love to see a Hooded Warbler.

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  14. Julie, absolutely incredible post! Your photos are stunning! You have captured such a splendid collection of beauties~many of which I look forward to encountering some day:)

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