Fall brings this small, active, yellow sliver of warbler as it briefly stops in our leafy tree-filled parks along its annual migration route from its northerly montane, breeding grounds to warmer Central American habitats in winter months. Although seen as a fairly common spring and fall transient it’s considered a rare winter visitor. 

Observers do well to make note of the diminutive, frenetically moving yellow warbler as it hops, turns, and leaps for insect prey in tree branches. This migrant is stopping for mere days to weeks to fatten up as it urgently travels to its next cycle destination. Even when the spritely bird is stationary, its long tail is usually twitching up or sideways in order to agitate prey into its view for quick capture.

The monotone intensity of the overall yellow makes its beady blackish eye stand out on an otherwise blank face, and a startling black skullcap distinguishes the male of the species as it zips through the tree canopy. Enjoy this vibrant, chattering songster while it’s still present, it might be well on its way before nightfall.

September Bird of the Month photos and essay by HB Urban Forest Birders’ James Kendall and Betty Kanne respectively.