I was thrilled yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge when a passing birder pointed out this Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) to me. I thought that they were already gone until the spring, but a more experienced birder later told me that it is normal that some overwinter with us.
Like most other warblers, Common Yellowthroats generally head south for the winter. I wonder why this one stayed behind. Was he a procrastinator who got left behind or maybe a natural contrarian? Is the range of this species gradually creeping northward, perhaps because of global warming? (The range map shows that Common Yellowthroats are present year-round in the coastal areas of North Carolina, which is just to the south of Virginia, where I live.)
Whatever the case, it was really nice to spot the brilliant yellow throat of this masked warbler. I too was wearing a mask, but I don’t think it made look as cool and rakish as this Common Yellothroat.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Pretty bird, Mike! Some things just can’t be pulled off as well (masks) by we humans! I was told years ago by an experienced birder when I asked about robins being here around home in winter. I was told that these robins aren’t “ours”, that they are from farther up north and this is warmer for them. I wonder about this beautiful little yellothroat as well? Hmmm….. Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia
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Thanks, Mitzy. I know that some birds from the north (some ducks, for example) overwinter here in Virginia, so it could be the case with this yellowthroat. Most of his friends, though, seem to prefer even warmer weather, it seems.
Wow, that is a rare sighting. I love seeing them here in summer and listening to their songs. Maybe this guy will have the advantage of getting the best breeding territory up North by being among the first to arrive?
I, too, find it such a thrill to come upon a common yellowthroat, Mike. They’re not easy to spot, as they blend in and pop around. That it is winter makes it really unusual. Oh I bet that just made your day. It’s great that the birder alerted you to it. And wonderful that you were able to get such a great photo. Happy day!
Nice capture.
Amazing how such little birds can withstand the cold.
Somehow they manage to survive in all kinds of weather, finding food and somehow staying warm. The only accommodation they seem to make is fluffing up their feathers when it gets really cold.
🙂
I’ve never seen one of these. Thanks to your blog, if I ever do, hopefully I will recognize it! We went to Lowe’s yesterday and came home with seed, suet, mealworms, and two new feeders. Our favorite hangout is at the kitchen table watching the birds and squirrels. As refreshing as a walk in the woods (we are temporarily restricting ourselves to park roads as the trails are rather muddy)!
Thanks, Nina. I went back the following day and found the little bird again and will soon be posting some even better photos. It’s great to hear that you are feeding the birds. It has to be a struggle for them to make it through the winter. I too have found some really muddy spots on some of my trail, but have slogged on through.
What a nice find!
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