Wayward January Bird

by John Briggs on January 8, 2010

in Bird Photographs,Blog,Wildlife

Here in Maine, winter has had a grip since late fall with snow, bitter cold and wind. Migratory birds have long gone on their trek to warmer climes. During the snowstorm last Saturday, I noticed a very puffed up bird feeding on a distant suet feeder. I thought for sure it was a warbler, but with a driving snow it was hard to positively ID even through binoculars.

Fast forward to today.  Upon returning home after picking up this semester’s books in South Portland ($511.00 for books, unbelievable!), I noticed a puffed up bird on the feeders just outside our picture window. I grabbed my camera and went into our bedroom, lowered the upper part of the window, and took the photos below of a Yellow-rumped Warbler. I use the bedroom window as a sort of a blind when birds are at the feeders closest to our house.

Even now, as I write this post, the little fella is feeding at the wreath feeder in a lightly falling snow, puffed up to protect itself from the biting cold. The Warbler seems to prefer the peanut butter and seed pine cones. Once he has his fill, he flies into the Christmas tree that I put outside for the birds.

Enjoy these photo of our wayward Yellow-Rumped Warbler and a few photos of a Dark-eyed Junco. Clicking a thumbnail will open a larger sized view in a shadowbox.

Happy birding!

 

{ 9 comments }

Kerri January 9, 2010 at 12:19 am

Excellent John! LOVE the warbler and the Junco! And It looks like the warber liked the feeder wreath…that warms my heart :) Great pics!
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Sharon January 9, 2010 at 12:03 pm

So just out of curiosity, and because I don't know, where should this yellow rumped warbler be right about now? Down south?
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MaineBirder January 9, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Hi Sharon!

The Yellow-rumped Warbler does winter in the U.S., mainly from Maryland and points south and west.

Chris January 11, 2010 at 10:59 pm

Wow these are gorgeous shots, congrats. I love them all…. You did a great job!

@markwilkinson1 January 12, 2010 at 5:36 pm

Nice story and shots John. As us birders know, feeding regularly and variedly in our gardens brings all sorts of surprises and is vital in keeping the little guys going through these tough weather times.

Joan January 12, 2010 at 8:07 pm

Great looking photos of the junco and warbler. I've seen that warbler before but in the spring here.

kaholly January 21, 2010 at 2:55 pm

Can you tell me more about your wreath feeders? Looks interesting. The warbler certainly thought so. Great pics!! I so enjoyed this post. ~karen
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dawn fine January 21, 2010 at 9:24 pm

nice sightings! and fab photos as always John.
Yikes about the price of books…our nephew buys his online for a discount..can u do that?
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Robin Robinson February 2, 2010 at 12:48 am

Half.com is an eBay company where i buy lots of used books. They also deal in text books which my college student daughter has taken advantage of, both buying and selling her used texts online. The price of texts makes me almost wish I was writing them, or at least the editor! Great warbler shots. Don't you just love the little DE juncos? So sweet indeed! Nice shots
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