Today the skies kept threatening to shower me with more than affection, and they eventually did. During my short time on the trail, I ended up surrounded with birds trying to bulk up before continuing their long journeys south. Ruby- and Golden-crowned Kinglets hovered and darted. An Eastern Phoebe swooped from a perch on the telephone wires. White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows chipped and tzzeeted as they patrolled the Goldenrod. And everywhere, Yellow-rumped Warblers darted, swooped in arcs, landed and fed.
Hawthorns don’t seem to worry Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Do Yellow-Rumped Warblers Eat Only Insects?
Nope. Their willingness to eat some fruit ensures these small warblers can withstand cold snaps a bit better than some other species.
The fruit on the Grey Dogwood seems to appeal at least occasionally.
I’m not sure if this warbler found a seed or a pupa: it ate it very quickly.
Will Yellow-rumped Warblers Catch Insects On the Wing?
Yes. Like many small birds, Yellow-rumped Warblers sometimes catch insects in mid-flight.
I could just see the remnants of the insect I watched this warbler catch before it landed on the wires.
This warbler caught one of those red-eyed flies the size of a house fly. Yum!
Do Yellow-rumped Warblers Ever Perch, Watch, and Hunt Like Vireos?
It’s pretty common to see one perched in a crabapple looking attentively around.
While they don’t have the exact same perch, think and swoop “look” that Vireos have, Yellow-rumped Warblers do seem to spend a fair amount of time perched. Their heads keep moving, so I believe they may be searching their surroundings for the next tasty bite.
See You Guys in the Spring!
I’m not sure why I’ve had so many warblers staying around in my local meadow for so long this fall, but it has been very nice. Soon, though, I’m sure they will wing south, like the Grey Catbirds that just vanished between one afternoon and the next. I’ll look forward to seeing some of them coming back in their brighter breeding plumes in the spring.
Next time I see this little warbler, this perch may be covered with snowy white blossoms instead of haws!
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Have any migrating birds spent an extra long time in your neighbourhood this autumn? Please share your views with a comment.