Temps have dropped here in Arkansas, and it was chilly when I photographed this Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler yesterday morning as they perched above a feeder. It actually felt colder than it was to me because of the blowing wind.
Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler on a chilly fall morning – Canon R7, f8, 1/200, ISO 2500, +0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I only had this lovely Yellow-rumped Warbler in my viewfinder for a few seconds, but I made those moments count. Thankfully, I was able to take sharp images of her or him.
At this time of year, when they are in their nonbreeding plumage, I have a harder time determining their gender. I know a lot about birds, but I don’t claim to be an expert on all of them or their various plumage phases.
This little beauty made my chilly morning better when I saw them through my viewfinder. I always enjoy seeing this species, no matter where I am or what time of year it is.
The diet of Yellow-rumped Warblers varies from insects to berries depending on the season. This means they can switch to berries for food when insect activity drops off with colder temperatures, which is what recently happened here.
There are still wild berries on trees, shrubs, and vines nearby, so hopefully, the Yellow-rumped Warblers will continue to stick around. I hope so—I haven’t gotten my fill of them quite yet.
The recent colder temps have affected the insects here. I’m no longer hearing crickets, nor have I seen a butterfly flutter past me in the last couple of days. I always miss the insects during winter, but I’ll have winter birds to keep me busy and smiling.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-rumped Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
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