Blackburnian Warbler

The Blackburnian Warbler is one of 21 or so species of “tropical” warblers that pass through Fort Bend and Quail Valley on their journey from South and Central America to breeding grounds, many along the Canadian border with USA.

Blackburnians are distinct, being the only warbler with an orange throat. They are eye catching. During a photo shoot last week of flowers blooming for the April 27 QV Backyard Tour, we glimpsed a Blackburnian stopping in one of the gardens.

 The Blackburnian Warbler winters on the upper coast of South American and flies north in late March, April and early May over the Gulf of Mexico and along the Eastern Coast of Mexico usually in multi-species flocks. Central Texas East is the western edge of their flight path. The Blackburian only flock during migration, but in Fort Bend, you will normally see them singly. However, go to High Island or Winnie or other area birding areas and you might be lucky to see them literally "fall out of the sky" after their trip over the Gulf of Mexico or Mexican eastern coast.

Being insect gleaners and eaters, they are often in shrubs stirring up insects. If you see movement in shrubs or understory trees, stay still and watch because they move very quickly and fly fast.

Females and immatures are less flashy, but still beautiful.

The exception to seeing them in flocks was last year in early May. A large multi-species flock was forced down by a storm. Ironically, this was the day before Mother's Day in May, which is the Sugar Land Garden Tour date, but they were forced down in Quail Valley along Oyster Creek. Blackburnians must like garden tours. Actually, this multi-species flock was really something to behold . . . so we wrote stories about it.

Warblers are flying north and mostly breed in eastern lower Canada and in parts of the Eastern US. Their flight and behaviors are quite remarkable. Type warbler in our search feature if you wish to learn more about these fascinating birds that grace our presence on Gulf Coast Texas, spring and fall.

Quail Valley resident and photographer Margaret Sloan has documented over 150 species of birds in Quail Valley alone. You can tour five distinct gardens in this eco-system, all attract different birds, Saturday, April 27.

Photos copyrighted by international birder and photographer Margaret Sloan. See the species she has documented in Quail Valley.

Blog edited and researched by Janice Scanlan.