Chestnut-sided Warbler. It's warbler season on the Gulf Coast from now through roughly May 7. It is the time for surprises in your own garden. An unusual bird pops in for a brief rest, and if you're lucky, you'll be looking when it shows up. That's how Margaret happened to see this distinctive warbler in her garden. Warblers have many subtle identifying characteristics, but the Chestnut-sided is the only yellow-capped, white breasted, with the chesnut-striped between the wing and breast.
If you want a better chance to see them and many other species of warblers, head to the coast at the end of April or early May -- the prime time for this particular species. These warblers fly from Central America, where they winter, and migrate across the Gulf of Mexico. They literally “fall out” of the sky when they see a welcomed source of food, at last. The Chestnut-sided fly with multi-species foraging flocks.
I still marvel at the feat of these "tropical" warblers that winter in Central America, nest in Canada and the Upper Eastern US are less than 4.5".
As of April 1, twelve species of Warblers had been sighted at the various Audubon sanctuaries and wild life refuges in the Greater Houston area. Since then, a record breaking year for 2012 of 21 species sighted!
The Chesnut-sided prefers second growth and scrubby forests. It is an insect gleaner from the back-side of leaves and usually moves quickly to stir up its prey.
Warblers are like the many species of sparrows . . . many have only small distinctions. The Houston Audubon Society offers many classes, nature walks and experiences during Warbler season on High Island from Mid March to early May. It alone has 17 sanctuaries in our area. Add the National Wildlife refuges near Angleton and Lake Jackson as well as Anuhuac, there are an abundance of birding opportunities in our area.
Or you can learn all about "Going Coastal" and why Fort Bend and the Columbia Bottomlands of the Brazos, San Bernard and Colorado Rivers is a state recognized Important Bird Area (IBA).
Here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds video of Birding Warblers. Its a simple guide to basic birding that features warblers that have flown from the Gulf Coast on to their nesting lands and are near Ithaca, New York, in the video. You'll also learn a tidbit about Audubon and the Chestnut-sided Warbler as well as see them in action. Happy birding.
Photos copyrighted by Quail Valley resident and international birder Margaret Sloan. View her international and national bird pictures by pressing this link. View her full photo album of local birds, Birds of Quail Valley by pressing this link.
Learn how to attract birds to your garden, enjoy the Quail Valley Garden's Club visit and tour of Margaret's backyard.
Photo of Margaret Sloan birding.
Blog edited by Janice Scanlan.