Springtime...

In NJ, as in many parts of the US, springtime means warbler migrations.  There is just something about catching a glimpse of these tiny migrants, as they forage for insects at the tops of trees that are just barely starting to leaf out.  Many a stiff neck can be attributed to spring warblers!  

While this is not a great shot, I chose it because it is the first Cape May Warbler I've ever seen.  And, had I not been out with my walking group, many of whom are very experienced birders, I wouldn't have spotted it since it was way up high in the trees.  You have to kind of wonder how something so brightly colored can blend in so well!

So, a little bit about Cape May Warblers ...  here is what Cornell has to say about this little migrant:  

The Cape May Warbler breeds across the boreal forest of Canada and the northern United States, where the fortunes of its populations are largely tied to the availability of spruce budworms, its preferred food. Striking in appearance but poorly understood, the species spends its winters in the West Indies, collecting nectar with its unique curled, semitubular tongue. 


It's tubular tongue is unique among warblers. The  US/Canada Stewardship classifies this bird as a species in "sharp decline" due primarily to the use of insecticides to control budworms, its primary food.  Let's hope that this beautiful bird manages to survive to delight future generations.  


In the ongoing saga of the Tale of Two Kitties, we had a breaktrhough early yesterday evening before meeting our friends for dinner - both cats were within a few feet of each other on the bed, playing with seperate toys.  Phoebe only hissed a few times and Charlie was a perfectly zen-like gentleman.  Unfortunately, later when we turned out the lights hoping for sleep, an epic battled erupted leaving both cats under the bed in Charlie's room making a racket.  I removed Phoebe and locked her in our room for the night.  Hoping for better results this evening...

Rain in the forecast for tomorrow ...which we desperately need, but which I am not looking forward to.  If the rain persists, you may be seeing the cats again...

Happy Monday.