LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Still Another Unusual Deck Visitor

You're not going to believe this. I hardly believe it myself. Strange as it may seem, we had another relatively rare warbler visit us. We are the very fringe of its range and it is rarely seen around here.

I was out on the deck and I saw him land on the birdfeeder pole. "Is that what I think it is? Oh, please turn around so I can be sure."


The bird turned and almost glared at me. No doubt about it. He is a Black-throated Blue Warbler. Right there in front of me. And staring right at me.


He hopped onto the deck railing, revealing his beautiful markings. The Black-throated Blues that live in the Appalachians are darker than those who reside in the New England states and Canada.


I sat there enthralled as I watched him flitter from place to place.



I willed my camera to click more silently. He was clearly aware of my presence and looked up every time I took a photograph. I was so afraid he was going to take off at any moment.




One of his prominent markings is the white patch at the base of his wing. Some refer to this as a "pocket hankerchief" and I wouldn't disagree.





This little goldfinch seems to be wondering what kind of strange bird this might be and what he's doing at the feeder.






The Black-throated Blue does eat seeds, but they rarely come to birdfeeders. He can't seem to figure out exactly how to get the seed.

Finally, he decided he'd be better off looking for insects in the woods and he flew away. But not before he captured my heart. Imagine my good fortune at having seen four (count them) FOUR unusual warblers visiting our deck...the Blue-winged, the Black and White, the Worm-eating, and now a Black-throated Blue. What a treat.

15 comments:

Michele said...

Lucky you - he's like a dapper little James Bond of the Roger Moore variety.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Oh- you're so lucky! That's my favorite warbler and I've only seen one once- in West Virginia.

So beautiful...

Anonymous said...

What an incredibly beautiful sight. You have certainly had some stunning visitors lately. Great photos of them too!

Folkways Note Book said...

What a wonderful series of photos on your warbler. You indeed seem to be in an area rich in unusual birds. good post -- barbara

Vicki Lane said...

What a beauty and what great captures! Is there a sign on your deck that says ALL WARBLERS MUST LAND HERE? I'm seriously jealous.

George said...

This is really your summer to capture new (for you) warblers. All I can say is congratulations and thanks for the great pictures.

Jayne said...

Wow Carolyn... that is sooooo cool! It reminds me of my first spring here on Chickadee. I had oodles of visitors I've not seen since. It was a magical time for sure. So glad you were able to get such good shots of this beauty to share with us!

Ruth said...

You must be on a migration route this year. It is special to see one, but he also posed for so many nice pictures!

KB said...

I think that the word is out among the birds - Go visit NCMountainWoman's deck, and you'll be famous! She'll take your photo, rave about you, and put you on the big screen!

You are very lucky - all these rare birds seem to be seeking you out. Today's was gorgeous.

Busy Bee Suz said...

They must be passing the word around that you have some good stuff on your deck. :)
I do think he was 'glaring' at you in the 2nd photo.

Pat said...

You had to have fun capturing the photos.
I would never guess it's a warbler.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I love that bird, Carolyn... I've never seen one or heard of them before. SO beautiful!!! You have really gotten to see some new birds this year... I'm impressed...

Are they migrating----or do they live there???? He is absolutely gorgeous.

Thanks for sharing him with us.
Hugs,
Betsy

troutbirder said...

Oh my! This is too much. I've never ever seen a warbler at my feeders. And rarely in the yard.

Dawn Fine said...

Wow..what an excellent bird to have at the feeder! Great shots!

Janie said...

Great photos of this unusual bird. I've never seen one.