A Northern Parula Warbler in a Backyard Oasis

Northern parula sitting on a tree limb in Toronto, Ontario

It was this past spring that Bob and I finally visited the Long Point area of Ontario during the peak period of songbird migration.  We had a long wish list of new birds that we would like to see, and on this list was a Northern Parula.  We failed to spot any when in that area of the province but did have one spend the afternoon in our Toronto backyard soon thereafter.  What a pleasant surprise! Read more

Nashville Warbler at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano

photograph of a Nashville Warbler along the hiking trail at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano, Zitácuaro, Mexico.

mexNashville Warbler sitting in a tree, Zitacuaro, Mexico

What a pleasure to find a Nashville Warbler lingering in the wooded valley next to our accommodations, Hotel Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Mexico.  Our morning walk into the depths of the shady glen was completed more out of curiosity than anything else.  It served as a bit of exercise after a hearty breakfast and pleased our senses with the sights and sounds of tropical plants and surroundings.  The presence of dozens of songbirds was an unexpected bonus. Read more

Nashville Warbler Visits Our Toronto Backyard

nashville warbler at fountain - toronto

Nashville warbler sitting on a water fountain in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Of the various Warblers frequenting our backyard one spring, it was the Pine Warblers and this  Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) that made the longest stays.  We experienced long periods without rain that spring so the water fountain on our property was a real attraction for a lot of migrating birds. Read more

Palm Warbler At Ashbridge’s Bay Park

palm warbler, ashbridge's bay park, toronto

What a delightful day we had birdwatching at Ashbridge’s Bay Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a park we had never visited before.  One Sunday this past spring, Bob and I ventured there because it seemed to offer some of the best prospects for seeing migrating birds.  Although more expert eyes probably picked out umpteen species, we managed to sight over a dozen ourselves including this little gem, a Palm Warbler.  In breeding plumage, its dull red cap is diagnostic. Read more

A Pine Warbler in my Toronto backyard



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A Pine Warbler in my Toronto backyard

pine warbler, toronto, ontario

One of the first migrating warblers to drop by our backyard one spring was a Pine Warbler.  It hung about our property for a good week and a half.  Pine Warblers are one of the earliest spring migrants having departed their wintering grounds in late February.  It was such a pleasure to see its little burst of colour amid all the bare branches of our trees and shrubs.  Read more

Magnolia Warbler in our Toronto Backyard



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Magnolia Warbler in our Toronto Backyard

magnolia warbler sitting on tree limb - toronto

For some reason, this past spring resulted in way more migrating birds visiting our backyard than usual.  Either that or Bob and I have just become much more observant.  One day, as I scoured the birch tree in search of the House Wren that was building its nest, I spotted a flash of yellow then saw that this Magnolia Warbler had alighted on one of the branches. Read more

A Cape May Warbler visits our Toronto Backyard



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A Cape May Warbler visits our Toronto Backyard

Cape May Warbler in bush - toronto 3

What a delight when a new species of bird decides to visit our backyard oasis.  This spring, we have had several different warblers stop to enjoy the water fountain and feeding stations, among them a Cape May Warbler.  For some reason, looking south at my Highbush Cranberry where it stands guard over the corner of the garage, is where I seem to discover many of the birds opting to perch before they remove themselves to the privacy of our back garden. Read more