Yellow!

In keeping with my recent color theme ... today's blip is a magnificent Yellow Warbler, singing his heart out in an effort to entice a mate. I went out with a friend of mine today to a trail where I know the yellow warblers congregate every year when they migrate to our area. The trail is situated between a stream and a marsh, with lots of shrubs and trees - all perfect nesting habitat for a yellow warbler. As soon as we got on the trail, we could hear them singing all around us. And very quickly, we started seeing splashes of bright yellow darting through the trees and bushes. Aside from the singing, the only sound to be heard was the snapping of two shutters.

Blending in with the song of the warblers was the songs of red-winged blackbirds, field sparrows, swamp sparrows and common yellowthroats. We saw 21 different species on our walk today, from these tiny warblers to a gorgeous Bald Eagle. A very fun day.

Meanwhile, back at the Bistro, there are still a few grosbeaks hanging around and loads of orioles. The orioles are starting to get a bit argumentative with each other now, making for some interesting displays at the feeders. They are eating oranges as fast as I can serve them, and have emptied the larger hummingbird feeder. They have even figured out how to drink out of the tiny tube feeders that I thought only hummers could master. This morning, they were joined briefly by an Orchard Oriole - a first for me for the year, and the first I've EVER seen in our yard.

I posted 10 shots from today on Flickr, starting here with an oriole.

More painting tonight, as well as some continued sorting and cleaning. Is this every going to get done???

Happy Monday...

Debbi