Warbling in the Wetlands
A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. —Lou Holtz
…Which is why I’m constantly running to Nature, and to these wonderful creatures. That reminder to JUST BE (or in my words, Simmer Down). And our winters provide a more varied opportunity for observing different happenstances of this simple state of being — the migrating birds make their residences in the area, even if it is temporary.
A Wee Warbler in the Wetlands
A few Palm Warblers flit amid the trees; here, among a strand of young cypress. These tiny bright gems of songbirds — adorable little shocks of yellow in our swamp and wetlands — are easily missed if you’re in a rush, or aren’t fully aware.
Sing it!
Palm Warblers are common winter residents in our marshy natural areas, migrating in the late fall to the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean. The species is comprised of two distinct sub-species, the Yellow Palm Warbler and the Western Palm Warbler. Those breeding in the eastern range are yellow underneath, while those inhabiting the western part of the range are duller in color, with whitish bellies. Palm Warblers primarily breed in wetland habitats — east of the Continental Divide, across Canada and the northeastern United States. A distinctive feature of Palm Warblers is tail wagging, or “pumping.” More than other warblers, this bird forages on the ground for insects and berries.
Warbling in the Everglades
Click here to listen to the delicate song of these sweet little songbirds!
Holler.
FeyGirl
Serenity Spell 
I love the quote. Very inspiring. I will find my song today.
Isn’t that just wonderful? Such a great reminder to us all….
I don’t think that I have ever seen this species of warbler, but, if they’re anything like every other warbler, they’re darned hard to photograph. Excellent photos!
Ohhhhh you’re so dead-on RIGHT! These guys dart around our cypress like crazed diminutive pilots. I was *thrilled* to get a few guys at rest — granted, their rest is very quick… 🙂
Thanks so much!!
…. I’m one of those generally in too much of a rush. In my defense, though, these critters are too fast for my ancient reflexes, and so small I need my reading glasses to see ’em. I love hearing them, though!
They have the loveliest song!
It’s hysterical trying to get shots of these guys — I’m whipping around like a lunatic, hauling that heavy 7D in ways I probably shouldn’t be… For a warbler.
…. [ROAR] … You should see me try to get a shot of a Jesus Christ Lizard! (for those readers that think I’m being blasphemous … there really is such a critter, famous for the ability to literally run across water when escaping clumsy hiker/photoglodytes like moi.)
Do you see how I catch those lizards? AT REST!
https://serenityspell.com/2012/06/15/a-saintly-lizard/
Beautiful Captures – Happy Friday:)
Thanks so much!
Happy Friday to you, as well…. 🙂
Nice images, especially like the first one.
Thank you!! I was very happy….and lucky…to catch ’em while they rested for a brief moment! 🙂
I have never seen a palm warbler before . A very beautiful bird and your photos of them are just great ! // Maria
Thanks so very much! I’m so lucky this year… I even have one in my yard, since I’ve been planting lots of native flora!! 🙂
Beautiful pictures — I love birds. Spring is not here yet in the Rocky Mountains but you can see signs everywhere — it’s not far off with more birds showing up. The pictures are a sweet reminder of their song and presence.
Thanks so much! It’s so wonderful to listen to them… These guys have such a sweet song.
I can imagine in your area, that’s it’s especially wonderful to hear the birds return (well, more of them at least)!
Yes they do have a sweet song and the doves have returned and we’re hearing them too. I just love the coming of Spring.
Adorable warblers. Great shots.
Thank you! They’re such sweet little things… So very quick though! Darting here and there — I was thrilled to nab ’em!
What sweet little birds!
They really are! And their songs are just as sweet….
Such a sweetie, and yout photos are beautiful.
They really are little sweeties!! And their songs match their appearance.
Thanks so very much. 🙂
Your photographs are awesome! 😉
Aw, thanks so very much! I was thrilled to snap them… They’re SO quick, these little guys!
You actually have two different species of Warblers in your pictures…the first two are Palm Warblers and the last two are YellowRumped Warblers, (often called ButterButts). The Palms are coming into their breeding plummage….they’ll be gone soon….enjoy therm while you can….
Steve
AH, thanks so much for the clarification! I know some of the expert birders help me while I’m out there, and I’ve seen a few different warblers… Incredibly confusing.
I know they’ll be leaving soon, though — so sad. I love to listen to them. I have a pair living in my tiny yard, since I’ve planted lots of native flora (berries and the like).
THANKS again!!!
p.s.
ButterButts, lol.
Another little beauty living your neighbourhood!!!! Thank you for the introduction!!!
I’m so happy to introduce them! And I’m thrilled to say that I actually have one or two living in my little yard as well, this year, since I’ve planted so many natives…. 🙂 They’re such sweet little things!
Beautiful captures! Yes, the time to open windows widely and to listen to birds chirping is coming! 🙂
ABSOLUTELY! It’s so wonderful to listen to their wonderful, sweet songs… 🙂
Cute bird FeyGirl. Tough catching little guys like that.
They really are adorable little guys! And you’re absolutely right — they’re amazingly FAST, crazed flyers!
What marvellous portraits of these pretty birds!
Thanks so much… I can’t get enough of these little guys! It’s sad they’ll be leaving me soon.
I love the quote by Lou Holtz. Great shots too.
Thanks so very much! I love these guys…. I’ll be sad to see them go! I just spent another half-hour with them. 🙂
Remarkably delicate lighting. Nature is lucky to have you for an advocate, FeyGirl.
Thanks so very much…. What wonderfully kind words! You made my week. 🙂
What pretty little birds. As much as I enjoy the water birds, songbirds are even higher on my list. There’s just something about hearing their song that makes me happy – part of the reason I try not to get irritated with the mockingbird who’s decided 4 a.m. is the time for full-throated song capable of waking up humans!
And I followed the link to the Jesus lizard – how great. The story of them walking across the water reminded me of coots taking off. Such fun to watch!
Haahhh!! I have some mockingbirds in my yard, as well — and they DO like the early morning hours, don’t they? And dive-bombing my poor stray cats! Poor girls. 🙂
I do love our songbirds, even though many will be leaving soon. They’re the sweetest things….
Isn’t that lizard just fascinating? Too bad he doesn’t really belong down here…! (Another import.)
My son and I love to come here together Feygirl. What a thrill to see what you bring to us everytime. Your work speaks volumes about the love you have for these creatures. It is so apparent from these lovely shots of the palm warbler. Thank you for including it beautiful song here. And thank you for the beautiful Ella Wilcox Wheeler quote you have on your side-bar. I believe it describes your heart well. Sharon
Oh, how wonderful!! I can’t tell you how good that makes me feel — honestly!! How old is your son? I would LOVE to show you a project I have in the works (geared for children), but it’s still in the early submitting stages — it’s my dream to reach out just like this, for children!
Thanks again, you’re truly the kindest.
Wonderful photography – thanks so much.
Thanks so much! I love these little guys…. Just adore them.
Glad I found your page! Had a pic of a bird and wasn’t sure what it was. It was this little guy, the wee warbler.
If I recall (this was years ago)… I had to ask a pro birdwatcher about this cutie-pie, myself! 🙂 They were so prevalent in the wetlands.