The Nashville

This four and one half inch warbler has brought smiles to my face more times than any other bird.  Normally the Nashville Warbler is only a migratory visitor to our part of the United States.  We always anticipate seeing him on his trip north for the summer.  He loves his bath and you can visually see his enthusiasm at the water.  My nickname for him is "Personality Cute".  His fluffed feathers and chestnut crown make him an adorable sight.  His crown is more concealed most of the time.  The white eye ring is very distinct and is a quick  identifier along with his gray blue head.  I believe he is the only North American warbler with a yellow throat, no wing bars, a white eye ring and a blue-gray head.  He jumps around and moves quickly as do other warblers.  He never seems to mind if others bathe or watch as he is in the water. He is not intimidated easily as you will notice in my photos.   I have noticed that several different warblers often come to the water together. I assume that they are traveling together.  You will most likely not have a problem identifying this little bird.  Here's hoping he pays you a visit at your water.  Blessings!

Birds seen now! Easter 2015

The birds seen in our 2.9 woods yard are beginning to change.  Spring is bringing returning summer residents and migrants on their way to another place for nesting.  We are enjoying Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.  It is good to have them chattering and buzzing around the yard.  Last year we had very few visiting our feeders.  The Hermit Thrush has not left yet.  The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and the White-eyed Vireo are here.  We have Mourning Dove, one Lincoln Sparrow and several White-throated Sparrows.  The Chipping Sparrows have moved on. The Field Sparrow has not visited the ground feeder for several days. We have our resident Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wrens, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and the Downy Woodpecker visits most days.  Unfortunately, we have several Brown-headed Cowbirds hanging in the yard also. They will be looking for another bird's nest to place their eggs.  Ugh!!  The Roadrunner and the Pileated Woodpecker are seen quite often.  Eastern Bluebirds come to bathe and the Cedar wax-wings are ravishing our remaining Yaupon berries.  This morning I heard the Chuck-Will's-Widow calling. The Black and White Warbler arrived and the Ruby-crowned Kinglet still flits through the trees. Blessings!

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Lincoln Sparrow

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Carolina Wren

Black and White Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler

Cedar Wax-wing

White-eye Vireo

Hermit Thrush

Carolina Chickadee

Ruby-throat Hummingbird

Carolina Chickadee