Lots of warblers passing through this time of year, and many in good spring/breeding coloration, too. American Redstart (or as I call him, American Orangestart. And I call the female American yellowstart! There ain't any red on either of 'em!) Black & White Warbler: Blackpoll Warbler: At first glance, you might confuse the Black & White with the Blackpoll, but the B&W is much "stripier" looking with a zebra-striped head, and the blackpoll has a black...poll. (Poll means head). The truly beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler: Not to be confused with the Common Yellowthroat, also a warbler, and one which stays in Florida all year. Look for this guy in brush alongside ditches, and along the edgees of canals and streams. I see them often when birding BlackPoint Drive on Merritt Island. And one of the very prettiest (the picture doesn't do him justice), the Black-throated Green Warbler. While the green is only on the head and upper back, it's quite visible and brighter than you would think, and of course, there is the black throat. You would think this one would be called the Orange-throated Warbler, but it is really the Blackburnian Warbler. And the Northern Parula (pronounced "pair-YOO-la") which is easily spotted in the spring, but which is one of the warblers that actually nests in central Florida, as well as parts farther north. These are just a very few of the colorful warblers who migrate through Florida every spring. As a side note, they really shouldn't be called "warblers" at all, since that makes it sound like they are good singers. Most aren't. But they ARE very beautiful, and it is always fun to see them. Keep your eyes open this time of year, and you might get a few surprises. And btw, they are chiefly insect eaters, so won't likely go to any feeders, but they DO go to birdbaths. Keep plenty of water around to attract them. Marcia

rachel, actually its like one bird a day. thats about 21 days of hiking. luc quebec, i was with one of the top birders in the usa. i even asked him that. and i dont remember what he said something like trailing edge feathers etc......i dont know how they do it.

Thanks tmff. The Parulas are soooo hard to see. I actually got a picture of one in the top of a tree in the yard a couple years ago. That's where I'm hearing the call now.....but I just can't see it. I know that birds have some variation to the songs listed for them online and when the chipping sparrow was calling right after the Parula called, it got me to wondering if I was wrong that it was a Parula. It was out there this morning, but they are so darned hard to find! (good for them, bad for us). :) Like you, I've never heard a chipping sparrow ascend. And the fact that it's back to the tree it was in for the last 2 years, I'm thinking it probably is a Parula......but I'd sure like to see it. I'm in Central Indiana. Thanks again!

Thanks tmff! This is so exciting. They just started coming to our property last year. I've been hearing them singing a lot, but they are soooo hard to find. I wish my pictures were clearer. I usually keep my telephoto lens on my camera all the time, because I usually shoot things further away. But this guy showed up about 2 feet outside my window and I was afraid if I ran to get my other lens.......he'd be gone. Finally! I got to see him up close and personal. :) Thanks again.