today i saw

[recurve]

The neo-tropical migrants continue to pour in this morning. So far today I've seen an American redstart, a Magnolia warbler, a Brown thrasher, and a host of other small warblers that I've been unable to get an ID on yet because they won't stand still.

[linrose]

I ran across this today while checking my e-mail because I subscribe to Wren Song. There's a whole series on warblers and yesterday's edition had one on the Magnolia Warbler. I'm not skilled in their ID, I've only seen a few here. They are wonderful to see as they migrate through.

A Bestiary: Part Twenty-two ~ Songbirds: Warblers ~ Magnolia Warbler

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by recurve

The neo-tropical migrants continue to pour in this morning. So far today I've seen an American redstart, a Magnolia warbler, a Brown thrasher, and a host of other small warblers that I've been unable to get an ID on yet because they won't stand still.

Great to hear that you are seeing so many and a good variety, too.

What kind of habitat is your yard? Mostly woodland? Meadow? I guess what I'm asking is what attracts and supports the neo-tropical migrants?

I saw an American redstart for the first time here last year...so, I'm guessing I might have the right habitat for them. I'm really looking forward to a time when I've got a lot of berry and seed producing natives...and I get inundated with migratory birds--and year round residents as well.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by linrose

I ran across this today while checking my e-mail because I subscribe to Wren Song. There's a whole series on warblers and yesterday's edition had one on the Magnolia Warbler. I'm not skilled in their ID, I've only seen a few here. They are wonderful to see as they migrate through.

A Bestiary: Part Twenty-two ~ Songbirds: Warblers ~ Magnolia Warbler

What a cute bird! Thanks for the link.

Great that you are lucky enough to have seen a few.

[Equilibrium]

Today I saw..... our little Lola bounding up the stairs from the basement with what looked like a frog dangling out of her mouth. I thought it was a cat toy at 1st but.... neither of us could remember buying any frog shaped cat nip toys so I took off after her to get a look see at what it was. It was a live frog. I have no clue where it came from. The only thing I can think of is that it ended up in a sump pump pit and somehow jumped off the float and out. I took off after her soon as I made the connection that was no toy in her mouth. We looked at it under a magnifying glass and couldn't find any teeth marks in it so maybe it's got a chance? Really glad I was there when Lola came up the stairs otherwise who knows what woulda happened to poor Mr. Frog. He's out in 1 of our ponds now.

[NEWisc]

Our temperature got down to 32.7 degrees last night, so I was really surprised to see a hummingbird intently going over a hyssop (Agastache species) this morning. I thought they had all passed through on their way south by now.

I still have a feeder up, but she preferred the hyssop flowers.

[EllenW]

Recurve, are you seeing all these great birds on your property? I'm glad you saved the frog equil. My water gardens have wire mesh around them to keep the neighbors 9 cats from getting my frogs. I was at the neighbors today and the cat was playing with a baby garter snake. I rescued the snake. I hope it is ok.
I am seeing fewer hummingbirds newisc. They will be gone soon.
One year I had a group of magnolia warblers stay a few days linrose. They were at the bird bath a lot.

[dapjwy]

I hope Equil's frog and Ellen's garter snake make it. I'm sure they are relieved not to have become a cat toy for the last moments of their lives.

Originally Posted by NEWisc

Our temperature got down to 32.7 degrees last night, so I was really surprised to see a hummingbird intently going over a hyssop (Agastache species) this morning. I thought they had all passed through on their way south by now.

I still have a feeder up, but she preferred the hyssop flowers.

It is getting colder here now too...I think we got a frost, but not that cold yet. Cool that you got to see a hummingbird and still had something blooming for her (or him). I want to get some Agastache for our yard, but last time I almost purchased it they didn't have he species native to my area. Maybe next time...it is now on the list.

[EllenW]

A bald eagle flying over the field behind the house where i was pet sitting. There is nothing more beautiful than a bald eagle.

[havalotta]

Originally Posted by NEWisc

Our temperature got down to 32.7 degrees last night, so I was really surprised to see a hummingbird intently going over a hyssop (Agastache species) this morning. I thought they had all passed through on their way south by now.

We're only a few miles apart yet we remained above freezing along the lake here.