Warblers are generally recognized as the tiny, flashing, colorful jewels of the forest. They are typically few in number and often artfully conceal themselves until the male decides to dramatically reveal his presence in vibrant song. Each species of warbler has a unique, memorable song that signals his arrival, his presence, and his intention. The [...]

The Common Yellowthroat is a year-round resident of the Urban Forest, found regularly near the low-lying creek-side pathways.This diminutive wood-warbler is just 5 inches in length and flits around secretly, staying low near dense shrubs and marshy areas. In springtime the male announces its presence vibrantly with a remarkably loud rolling wichity wichity witchity wich [...]

A highly anticipated harbinger of spring is the March/April arrival of the male Hooded Oriole, with its brilliant golden-yellow plumage and its noisy whistles and staccato chatter. The vibrant yellow hood with striking black mask has earned this slender member of the blackbird family its well deserved name. The male is soon followed by receptive [...]

The Song Sparrow is a much beloved year-round resident in the Urban Forest and adjacent verdant patches. They are readily seen as they walk or hop on the ground and flit or hop through branches, grasses, and flowering plants. Song Sparrows stay low and forage secretively, but males boldly hop up to exposed perches, including [...]

A springtime stroll through the Urban Forest delights the senses with the overwhelming beauty of vibrantly colored wildflowers and sweetly scented blossoming trees and bushes. Yet, for many, it is the auditory delight of birdsong surging at dawn, continuing through to dusk that most assails our senses engendering curiosity as to which birds are singing [...]