Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler, Setophaga palmarum:  Magee Marsh, Ohio

     I recently spent a week at Magee Marsh photographing spring migrants, and while migration was a bit slow at Magee this year there were a few days of great shooting opportunities.  This shot was taken form the birding tower just off the main boardwalk.  While I was photographing a Magnolia Warbler, this little brown capped, tail-wagging palm flew in just above my head.  As it moved from branch to branch it struck a few perfect poses.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/500 second @ f/8

Pic of the Day

Palm Warbler, Dendroica palmarum:  Magee Marsh, Ohio

     Most Palm Warblers I see are in Florida, in winter plumage.  So, when I came across this fellow all decked-out in his spring best, I could not wait to get photos.  The Palm is just one of many warbler species that are easily seen from the Magee Marsh Boardwalk.   Palms pass through Magee and head further north to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Minnesota, into Canada, from Labrador to the Northwest Territories where they nest on the brushy edges of spruce bogs.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/1250sec @ f7.1

Pic of the Day

Palm Warbler, Dendroica palmarum: Viera Wetland, Florida

     While I was at the Viera Wetlands last week I was reminded that spring migration is close at hand.  While driving around the berms of the wetlands I came upon this Palm Warbler.  Palm Warblers are winter residents of Florida, but this handsome fellow was already molting into his breeding plumage.

     In about a month Palm Warblers, along with another thirty warbler species will be winging through Alabama to their northern nesting grounds.  Each will be adorned in their splendid breeding plumage, looking the best that they will have all year.  By mid May, many will congregate on the south shore of Lake Erie to rest and refuel as they move northward.  I’m looking forward to a spring of warbler shooting and with this Palm, I’ve started a month early.

Nikon D800 in DX format, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/1,600 second @ f8, Window mounted lens, Van used as blind