Myrtle Warbler

One of the birds I have often wondered about has been a Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler that I noticed in the yard years ago when the American Goldfinches finally found our yard. Myrtle Warblers don't usually hang out in our yard for some reason even though they are all over the place near the lake a couple blocks away all Winter long.

Then, this single male began stopping by one of the feeders where it would eat rather quickly before dropping down to the birdbath for a drink and then would fly off. Next day, same thing. Over and over. One male Myrtle. By the time the Goldfinches moved on so did the warbler.

The following year it returned with the Goldfinch flocks. Then the next. Then again this year. It is a week or so ahead of the Goldfinches being at the feeders now but it sure acts like the same bird from past years. But how to be sure.

The best way would be to band it, of course. Today I did. We will have to be in the same spot next year to be sure but it is now identifiable.



Pretty, isn't he? I was about to take the nets down when I heard a Cardinal chipping and backed up to see if it would fly into the yard. Instead, the Myrtle flew in behind me and over to the net. With this great plumage he won't be hard to tell apart from most Yellow-rumps.



Let the tracking begin!