Category Archives: Songbirds

Songbirds

White-eyed Vireo Building A Nest

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I happened upon a pair of White-eyed Vireos today that were working diligently on their nest. It would be fascinating to know how long it took them to get this far. (All About Birds says it takes 3-5 days to complete.)

White-eyed Vireo Building Nest
White-eyed Vireo Building Nest

They brought all sorts of little bits and took turns working them down into the bowl of the nest.

White-eyed Vireo Building Nest
White-eyed Vireo Building Nest

One of them got right down in there, presumably smoothing out the interior.

White-eyed Vireo Building Nest
White-eyed Vireo Building Nest

A lot of the pieces looked like shredded leaf or lichen.

White-eyed Vireo Building Nest
White-eyed Vireo Building Nest

They were flying into the woods and on most trips landed in this nearby tree…

White-eyed Vireo Building Nest
White-eyed Vireo Building Nest

before zipping to the nest.

White-eyed Vireo Building Nest
White-eyed Vireo Building Nest

March 21, 2023

I saw a White-eyed Vireo nest one other time, in June 2020. You can see that post at White-eyed Vireo on Nest

Songbirds

Black-and-white Warbler, 2023

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I seem to spot a  Black-and-white Warbler about once a year. Friday was my day.

Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler

He was busy picking through the lichen on this branch.

Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler

I removed the stick in the background on this one.

Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler

Another view where you see the pattern on his back.

Black-and-white Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 6, 2023

Songbirds

Palm Warbler, Maine

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On my recent trip to Maine I was amazed to witness some warbler migration.  I grew up near where these were taken and don’t remember ever seeing anything like the hundreds of birds I saw in the vicinity including a variety of warblers and finches.

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

The mowed lawn seen above was backed by a field of “weeds” that were bursting with all sorts of seeds and flying insects–a song bird buffet.

Palm Warbler
What to choose for my next snack?

I had not taken my long lens on this trip and could not get close enough to most of them with the 18-200mm; this one fellow seemed a bit more curious.

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

This particular bird is much more colorful than the Palm Warbler I had photographed a few days before in Charleston, SC.

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

ID by Cornell Lab’s Merlin App

Penobscot County, Maine
September 16, 2022

Songbirds

Palm Warbler

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I had seen this Palm Warbler skittering ahead of me down the trail and given up hope of photographing it in the thick underbrush. Then he landed in this dead tree.

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

He looked around…

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

Staying put for about 3 seconds in the spread leg position…

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

Then he was off…

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

The last I saw of him before he flew back into the undergrowth.

Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler

ID by Cornell Lab’s Merlin App

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
September 16, 2022

Songbirds

Yellow-throated Warbler Lunching In Spanish Moss

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A very busy Yellow-throated Warbler was working the Spanish Moss.

Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler

He was having some pretty good success…

Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler

and took the time to squeeze his prey before attempting to swallow.

Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler

Next!

Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler

An oft told tale around the low country of SC is of Ford motor company recalling Model T cars that had seats stuffed with Spanish moss. Small bugs crawled out of the seats and bit drivers and passengers alike.