Birder’s Notebook by Bob Andrini: 9 May Entry: When migration starts, birders will get out and try to see as many of the migrating warblers as we can. Reports of a Yellow-throat being seen in a local forest preserve went out, and we gathered a few Kane County Audubon Society members to go look for it.
The identification marks for this bird are as follows: yellow throat; black mask; black stripes on sides.
The Yellow-throated Warbler has a very high-pitched call, and one I usually can’t hear it. When we stepped out of our cars, one of the members said, “I hear it”. The task then is to find the bird – usually found in the tops of the trees.
After searching a while, sure enough we sighted the bird in the tree tops. Everyone had great looks and thanks to my camera, I got some good shots (I love my camera and lens – 100 to 400 zoom lens).
The Yellow-throated Warbler has a very long bill which it uses to probe for insects in the bark. This warbler also appears much more deliberate and slower moving as it looks for food.
TRIVIA: Many years ago, it was called the Sycamore Warbler since it was usually seen in Sycamore trees.
Seeing the Yellow-throated Warbler, increases our excitement about what other warblers are soon to follow.