Reading · BirdingZen · RSS Amplifier

As May is coming to an end so is the spring migration here in Minnesota. Cooler temperatures and an abundance of north winds this spring caused these nocturnal travelers to stop and hang around our neighborhoods longer than usual. Thus we had many great opportunities to see and hear them this month.

Orioles were feeding on grape jelly and oranges.

And in some spots warblers were so in need of energy during the cold spells that they sought out the quick reward of sugar water from hummingbird feeders. Here is a video of male and female Cape May Warblers swarming a hummingbird feeder on a cold morning in northern MN.

The abundance of different species of warblers was one of the highlights this year in my backyard. I had fun trying to photograph these fast moving birds with a rather simple DSLR. Still editing through my attempts at getting decent representative images of each species of warblers.

Like this of a Tennessee Warbler displaying his upside down feeding behavior with an insect on the tip of his beak. It also showcases the pollen strands of the Bitternut Hickory Tree (Carya cordiformis), a terrific native species.

One of my favorites, the Magnolia Warbler

Somewhat similar markings and head color to the Magnolia is the Yellow-rumped Warbler

The Blackpoll Warbler has a head like a Chickadee but easily stands out with its neon orange legs.

Finally got a better shot of a male Chestnut-sided Warbler foraging in an elm tree.

I had a few Golden-winged Warblers in the trees but struggled to get a good shot of one out in the sun to show off its colors. They are a special bird in Minnesota as our state has the highest remaining density of Golden-wings in the summer, nesting in the northern half of the state. Their population has been declining - 50% in 50 years - with over half of its global population now dependent on Minnesota habitat in order to sustain its future.

Great May for Migration

Comments