Monday, May 18, 2020

A Magnolia Warbler drops in for a visit...

I caught sight of this fella yesterday morning while I was eating breakfast outside. He was scouring the branches of the tall Rose of Sharon bushes right next to our table looking for (and finding) juicy green caterpillars. This is the first time I've ever had a Magnolia Warbler drop in for breakfast, and I must admit I quite liked it...
 
Good Morning, sweet bird!
If you look closely in the photo below, you can see a green caterpillar wriggling around in his bill. He worked through all five of the tall bushes gleaning caterpillars as he went. Then he flew up to the maple tree I was sitting under and found tasty treats there too.

Thank you, Mr. Mag, but you keep the caterpillar. My oatmeal and blueberries are enough for me! 
Magnolia Warblers are not summer residents in our area. They are just passing through during spring migration on their way north to their nesting grounds. Eat up, fella! You'll need your energy to make it to your summer home. Maybe I'll see you on your return visit this autumn during fall migration as you wing your way south to your wintering grounds.



...right above me!
Magnolia Warbler field marks are so clear. Even the underside of his tail feathers is a giveaway...half white, half black.
You don't even need to see his facial markings to identify him.


You can come for breakfast anytime, you sweet Magnolia Warbler, you! 
...chalk up another new yard bird for our new house.  I love living by woods!