It's both, Julie, depending on species and circumstance. As for warblers specifically, Palms do indeed tend to move in flocks -- we can get "dumpings" of lots of them in migration. Same goes for Yellow-rumped Warblers. Others, however, we more often see singly. But it really does depend on species and where we might find them. Although I tend to see Blackburnian Warblers mostly singly in migration here at home, in the Midwest, for example, we might bump into small flocks of them. Other times, when they fly, it can be in huge mixed flocks with tons of individuals in various ratios and abundance.
Now I need to go check my photo files. I’m terrible with lists and rely on my photos instead. I’m not sure if I photographed a Palm or a Cape May warbler a few years ago here in Montpelier.
Just seeing some of our possible 29 species of warblers in Door County, 17 of which have been determined to nest here. Really enjoyed your ode to palm warblers.
I enjoy the wagging flare of catbirds tails and seeing that flash of hidden orange. I'll be on the lookout for the palm warbler now. I've got to tell you (ahem) that your Michigan relatives live in the wrong part of the state: clearly, you've not seen my MI! I beg you to visit Lake Michigan and travel route M-22, from Arcadia's Mott Preserve through Sleeping Bear National Park! I look forward to every June when Stan and I stay in Arcadia, where there's a stretch of unspoiled beach where one could walk a continuous 7 miles before reaching a harbor-river. The lakes and forests of the upper parts of the mitten are Heaven to me. (Btw, I was in Montpelier for a couple of days this week.)
Sorry I missed you in Montpelier! And, yeah, I love it up there in northern Michigan. I've even got a Petosky stone that goes everywhere my truck goes -- it's a totem.
I’m gonna go all vulnerable and honest here and admit that I’ve never encountered a Palm Warbler. Might cast me as a noob birder in some eyes.👀 Oh well. But seriously dood, now I’m way more determined to sit in some bog and watch a pair doing all the things attentive parents do, just inches above the sog. Thanks for this tale of wonder my friend.
They're out there in low numbers, might even winter nearby (in lower numbers). But, hey, you got Anna's Hummingbirds year-round! 😀 But I do look forward to any images from you!
Thanks for the wonderful post, Bryan. Within your metaphors, I am always learning something new. So, if it wags like a dog, then it’s a Palm Warbler. Or in my case, if it wags like Ranger, it’s a Palm. Easy to remember. Have fun hiking through the narrow bog boards. Oh, how I love a good bog!
Decades ago, I had some spectacular mornings among birds in Washtenaw County. (Lot's of time at the Arb in Ann Arbor.) And the Lake Erie shoreline remains stellar in migration. Thanks, Carol Rose!
Maybe we'll be lucky enough to see one or two on the Island this coming week. Would love to see you there too...
Oh, yeah! They'll be there! (I'm a maybe for later in May.) Miss you both!
Thank you for capturing feelings I have - and I suspect many others do, too. 😊
Beautiful little bird!
I like the continuity of my forest surround . Hoping it will continue
I like your forests as well! Happy spring to you and Heiner!
Question: I was wondering if, when migrating, do birds of the same species fly together, or are the migrants all mixed up?
Thanks, Bryan!
PS Love that tail flick!
It's both, Julie, depending on species and circumstance. As for warblers specifically, Palms do indeed tend to move in flocks -- we can get "dumpings" of lots of them in migration. Same goes for Yellow-rumped Warblers. Others, however, we more often see singly. But it really does depend on species and where we might find them. Although I tend to see Blackburnian Warblers mostly singly in migration here at home, in the Midwest, for example, we might bump into small flocks of them. Other times, when they fly, it can be in huge mixed flocks with tons of individuals in various ratios and abundance.
Check out this astonishing eBird list from Quebec; scroll down to warblers. It's beyond amazing: https://ebird.org/checklist/S46116491
How does one fathom 144,300 Bay-breasted Warblers!
Now I need to go check my photo files. I’m terrible with lists and rely on my photos instead. I’m not sure if I photographed a Palm or a Cape May warbler a few years ago here in Montpelier.
As always, another excellent essay.
It was a Cape May warbler. p.s. You definitely didn’t disappoint with Terry’s obituary. Thank you.
Just seeing some of our possible 29 species of warblers in Door County, 17 of which have been determined to nest here. Really enjoyed your ode to palm warblers.
I'm envious of the flights in the Midwest, Joe. As you know, they can be life-changing!
"no warbler pumps like a Palm" feels like a battle cry!
Yeah, the battle (and struggle) for existence! 😀
Nice touch on Sphagnum Warbler comment …
I enjoy the wagging flare of catbirds tails and seeing that flash of hidden orange. I'll be on the lookout for the palm warbler now. I've got to tell you (ahem) that your Michigan relatives live in the wrong part of the state: clearly, you've not seen my MI! I beg you to visit Lake Michigan and travel route M-22, from Arcadia's Mott Preserve through Sleeping Bear National Park! I look forward to every June when Stan and I stay in Arcadia, where there's a stretch of unspoiled beach where one could walk a continuous 7 miles before reaching a harbor-river. The lakes and forests of the upper parts of the mitten are Heaven to me. (Btw, I was in Montpelier for a couple of days this week.)
Sorry I missed you in Montpelier! And, yeah, I love it up there in northern Michigan. I've even got a Petosky stone that goes everywhere my truck goes -- it's a totem.
*Petoskey 🙃 ☀️
I’m gonna go all vulnerable and honest here and admit that I’ve never encountered a Palm Warbler. Might cast me as a noob birder in some eyes.👀 Oh well. But seriously dood, now I’m way more determined to sit in some bog and watch a pair doing all the things attentive parents do, just inches above the sog. Thanks for this tale of wonder my friend.
They're out there in low numbers, might even winter nearby (in lower numbers). But, hey, you got Anna's Hummingbirds year-round! 😀 But I do look forward to any images from you!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=46&subview=map&taxon_id=145242
Palm Warblers have always been my favorite warbler because of their connection with bogs. I'm glad you could so eloquently state that! Thank you!
You get 'em close to home north AND south, right! And if you head far enough north -- for odes, of course -- you'll get 'em at the bogs!!! 😀
Thanks for the wonderful post, Bryan. Within your metaphors, I am always learning something new. So, if it wags like a dog, then it’s a Palm Warbler. Or in my case, if it wags like Ranger, it’s a Palm. Easy to remember. Have fun hiking through the narrow bog boards. Oh, how I love a good bog!
Beautiful essay. Thanks for all you do to help us get by as well.
Hi Bryan,
Always enjoy your writing and thank you, Pamela Taylor
Thanks, Pam. So nice to hear from you! (Glad to know you're still out there in the world!)
When you are in Michigan, sneak over to Washtenaw County , near Manchester for some wonderful places to bird and search for flowers.....
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Decades ago, I had some spectacular mornings among birds in Washtenaw County. (Lot's of time at the Arb in Ann Arbor.) And the Lake Erie shoreline remains stellar in migration. Thanks, Carol Rose!