I seem to have missed out on seeing lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers this year during their fall migration, I saw a few back in late September and early October but haven’t seen any for some time.
Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler during fall migration – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There was a spot close to home that used to have a tree that was just dripping with them during fall migration but that tree has completely died and I don’t think it has the draw for these warblers that it used to have since there aren’t any leaves for insects to hide in.
I also used to see them way up north but I didn’t spend as much time up there this year during the time that they were migrating through. I may just have to wait for spring to get the images of these warblers that I dream of.
I photographed this Yellow-rumped Warbler last fall up in Box Elder County where I spotted it perched in a hackberry bush next to a gravel road. The plumage of this species is a bit more subdued in the fall than it is during the spring but I still find them very appealing to my eyes.
Audubon’s and Myrtle Warblers were considered separate species for decades before being lumped by the AOU in 1973. Out here in the West we have Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warblers and back East they are Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warblers, they may be split into two species again soon, or at least there have been rumors about that for some time.
I’m in a bit of a funk so if I don’t publish posts for a day or two not to worry I might just be taking a short break.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-rumped Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Sweet portrait of the little Butter-butt! The Yellow-rumps have not yet arrived here in south Florida. I view their appearance with mixed feelings, as they signal the end of fall warbler migration. When in Alaska I was surprised to find that they were the Myrtle type, not the Audubon’s I expected to see as in New Mexico. It relates to how they were isolated from the eastern population during the last glacial era.
Hope your funk is short-lived. I would miss your daily posts.John
Always happy to see Butter Butts. 🙂 Sending “take care of yourself” vibes from here.
Beautiful capture of this delightful little Yellow-rumped Warbler, Mia. Hope all’s well! Your posts bring such inspiration, education and enjoyment to so many photographers and birders and wildlife lovers. We eagerly look forward to each new blog. Sending you lots of well-wishes and good energy!
I actually prefer the muted fall colours of the Yellow-rumped Warbler. The summer plumage is nice but rather stark. Hope you get over your funk soon. Doing this blog takes a lot of time and effort, over and above going out into the field with your camera. I’m sure all of us would say that we sure do appreciate it. I know I do.