Friday, January 6, 2012

Yellow Throated Warbler: Surprise Guest!

© Jerry Connolly 2012

B I R D   W A T C H I N G — Behold, the yellow throated Warbler! Supposedly a Southeastern Warbler, not venturing up north to Connecticut (especially in Winter!), this pretty little bird has joined the "feed lines" at Pink Gardens.

June, fantastic friend and co-resident of our large 19th century home, is an avid and experienced life-long bird watcher. She was certain this special little bird was showing up every afternoon, and on her latest trip to the Audubon Shop in our town, to buy bird food, she mentioned it to the proprietor of the store, Jerry Connolly. He told her it was probably a different type of Warbler, that many people are confused by their coloring, and that real Yellow Throats wouldn't be this far north. She invited him over to see for himself. He showed up later that afternoon, and lo and behold, the little winged cutey patootie showed up on cue. Jerry set up his tripod and in a few minutes took these shots. Pink Gardens is now somewhat "famous" and we've had a steady stream of bird-watchers' cars coming down our out-of-the-way little private road and long driveway.
  • For more on the Yellow Throated Warbler, including its "song," click over to the Cornell Labs' website.
  • For Jerry's store, click over to the Audubon Shop of Madison, here.
 © Jerry Connolly 2012 

© Jerry Connolly 2012 

U P D A T E : Word is spreading faster about our exotic little friend than free hair gel at a Flock of Seagulls concert. We now have a "staging area" for all the birdwatchers showing up at Pink Gardens! Our brightly-throated friend is taking it all in stride, showing up every 20 minutes or so to chow down more suet. I should be charging admission, or maybe I should put some of my art out on the porch with price tags on 'em, lol. Check out my photo of the photographer/watchers!

 The watchers being watched, lol.

10 comments:

  1. Casey, how amazing and what a beautiful little bird! Must be a real survivor!

    We had to temporarily stop putting out bird food in October because there were bears in the area. They lifted the ban Dec. 1st. I forgot to put out food after that. Thanks for the reminder to get out there with food! Thankfully it has been pretty warm most days so they have had a source of food. :)

    Now you're famous for TWO reasons! :)

    Katie

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  2. Hi Katie! I don't want to jinx it, but we've really had a good winter so far! There have only been a couple of really cold days, in the 20s when I noticed it walking. Other than the freak snow in October, this has been my kind of winter. I'm sure we'll get nothing but snow from now on, lol.

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  3. I love your bird he really is beautiful. And your photo watching the watchers made me smile.

    I tell you those bird watchers are a dedicated bunch. What fun!!!

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  4. OH, p.s. it's been in the 60's yesterday and today. We are holding our breath...

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  5. I just wish it was summer and the flowers were blooming. The yard looks really crappy this time of year, and all the fallen trees in the woods around here make Pink Gardens look like the backwater house in Deliverance.

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  6. lol @Casey's 'backwater house in Deliverance'.

    But look how bright and cheery it is inside with your "quilts".

    Paint like no one is watching / or is that dance like no one is watching?

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  7. I have to paint when no one's watching. Hoohoo always told me an artist doesn't like to be watched and it really stuck with me!

    And I have to say, my car has had a flat tire for 3 months. It certainly adds to the Deliverance look of the place in this drab winter time! I would pump it up with the electric tire pump in the trunk, but the car battery died too, lol.

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  8. rofl........like you would actually drive anywhere! lol

    I'll call AAA before I come to visit.

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  9. Deliverance, huh? Oh, my! Those watchers don't seem very frightened. Quick! Make a banner with your blog addy on it so they can all come look at your summer photos! ;)

    OK. Time to get a battery and get the tire fixed. In case of emergencies, you know!

    Hee hee
    Katie

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  10. I NEED TO PUT OUT THE BIRD FEEDER. MY EVERYDAY BIRDS HAVE FLOWEDD THE COOP. A BB OF MINE IN N.C. SAID THEY LEAVE AND LOOK FOR FOOD IN THE WOODS THIS TIME OF YEAR. LOTS OF SEEDS HAVE DROPPED. IT MAKE SENCE TO ME.

    THANKS FOR SHARING.

    KATIE,CHECK OUT MEGANS BLOG. SWEET FAMILY PICTURES.

    GRANNY

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