Return of the Yellow-Rumpeds

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Lyman Woods

Our migrations always seem to be punctuated by the arrival of Yellow-Rumped Warblers. In the spring, their arrival in great numbers signifies the beginning of the end of spring warbler migration. It is much the same in the fall. So while I was delighted this weekend to see them easily because of their numbers, I could not help but think that the warbler numbers would be dwindling, and fall would give way to other species.

"Meadow" Rump

“Meadow” Rump

Yesterday there were perhaps 30 or more Yellow-Rumped Warblers foraging in and around the meadow at Lyman Woods in Downers Grove.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Chicago Portage

Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Chicago Portage

Today I went first to Ottawa Trail Woods where I saw virtually none of them, unlike spring. By the time I got to the Portage, there were only a few Yellow-Rumpeds hanging out with some American Goldfinches. But when I circled back around to the south bridge before I left, there were perhaps 20 or more foraging in the duckweed-covered shallows with as many American Robins.

Yellow Rump Portage 1I2A3050

I have many other bird photographs from this weekend but I have to get some sleep, so I am limiting myself to the Yellow-Rumped Warblers for this post.

Yellow-Rump Portage 1I2A3053

I am surprised by this particular setting, which I didn’t realize at the time I took the pictures, I was so busy following the bird’s movements. But the duckweed background, branches and sparse leaves strike me as very shibui.

Yellow-Rump Portage 1I2A3064

2 thoughts on “Return of the Yellow-Rumpeds

  1. Very cute! There were three or four warblers with a lot more yellow flitting around the serviceberry and crabapple by the back porch this weekend. I didn’t get a chance to try to look up what they were.

    • Maybe Magnolias? I was still seeing them this weekend in the preserves, if not in my yard. On the other hand there are a lot of warblers with a lot of yellow on them (Nashville, Wilson’s, less likely but very yellow Yellow and Prothonotary): lucky you to get them in your yard!

Leave a Reply