Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Black and White Warblers at Fort Ancient

...in addition to the Yellow-rumped Warblers (from this post), two Black and White Warblers were foraging in the pine grove. Poor things, they never seem to be able to decide if they are warblers or nuthatches...

A Black and White Warbler assumes his typical downward-walking nuthatch posture.

I see Black and White Warblers along the Little Miami by the Powder Factory all summer, and I've seen a few at Fort Ancient too, so this fellow may have been a summer resident getting ready to depart or a migrant stopping by to refuel on his trip south.

Click here for an interesting map (Figure 2) showing the travels of a group of migrating Black and White Warblers. Apparently, Black and Whites are slow migrators, taking 50 days to reach their breeding grounds at the rate of about 20 miles per day.

...the Black and White Warblers made pretty peeping sounds as they searched out caterpillars and other bugs. I always enjoy seeing them, and especially now. This might be the last encounter I have with one until next spring when they return or migrate through.

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17 comments:

  1. Bob BushellOctober 5, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    I love the Black and White Warblers. I have not seen one like that before, good photography.

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  2. Dan HuberOctober 5, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    Lovely, one of the few warblers I see more than once a year, and I love them.

    dan

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  3. Kerri FarleyOctober 5, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Oh, they are such lovely little birds!! Great captures!

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  4. UnknownOctober 5, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Cool photos and information! I've only seen one of these little guys. It was in eastern Idaho during Spring migration.

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  5. MontanagirlOctober 5, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    They sure are striking in their black and white attire! Nice photos, Kelly.

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  6. Marco LuijkenOctober 5, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Hello Kelly,
    Very nice shots of this (for me) very special bird. I have never seen him before. Good to show this lovely bird between de trees. Very nice!!

    Greetings, Marco

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  7. Betsy Banks AdamsOctober 5, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Now that is one Warbler that I've never seen... They do 'act' a little like a Nuthatch, don't they????

    Cute photos, Kelly.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. ChrisOctober 5, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    If you could xssend us one with nice depression coming from your area at the end of the week, that would be nice. That's a beautiful bird. Nice pictures Kelly.

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  9. cindyzlogicOctober 5, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    NICE captures, Kelly!! I never seem to see any Warblers here...but, I continue to hope :-)

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  10. UnknownOctober 5, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    lovely photos ...Ive been to ft ancient on cap outs with the Boy Scouts (troop 817 SMOY) they often do service projects out there.

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  11. TexWisGirlOctober 5, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    oh, my gosh, these are adorable little birds! haven't heard of them before!

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  12. Jero MilánOctober 6, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Bonitas fotos. Un saludo desde mi terruño

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  13. Warren BakerOctober 6, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Black and White they may be Kelly, but they're still little stunners :-)

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  14. SueOctober 7, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    Maybe it takes them so long because they're enjoying the scenery? LOL! Well, they're adorable at any rate. I don't believe I've ever seen one....

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  15. KellyOctober 7, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    ...thanks, everyone! Black and White Warblers are one of my favorite birds. I love their pattern of black and white, and their sweet little song is so pretty. I see them regularly on the Little Miami, but every time I do my heart jumps. The are so pretty!

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  16. RoyOctober 8, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    The B & W Warbler. Unusual colourings for a small bird like that Kelly. Perhaps because it is so striking, that slow migration is probably natural, as it has to keep a low profile for safety.?

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  17. GuyOctober 10, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Hi Kelly

    Great shots of the Black and White Warblers they certainly are striking birds.

    Regards
    Guy

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