After repeatedly hearing the songs of these Neotropical migrants from among the foliage, we were finally able to get a look at them—but it required persistent effort.
Often found closer to the ground among shrubs and small trees, this Magnolia Warbler was a challenge to find in the upper reaches of a Chestnut Oak.Not far away, we spied this Yellow-rumped Warbler.Despite its status as probably the most common Neotropical songbird to nest in the deciduous woodlands of the lower Susquehanna valley, the Red-eyed Vireo is nevertheless notoriously difficult to locate among the leaves.The Ovenbird spends much of its time on the forest floor where it builds a domed oven-like nest.A fortunate observer may catch a glimpse of one perched in an understory shrub or small tree.But hearing the Ovenbird’s song, “teacher-teacher-teacher”, is frequently the only way to detect it.The Worm-eating Warbler nests in understory thickets on steep forested slopes. Its rich chipping song is often the only indication of its presence.Frequently easier to locate is the American Redstart, a Neotropical warbler that calls out its territory in damp woodlands from perches atop shrubs or among the lower limbs of trees.Warbling Vireos nest near streams or other bodies of water in large deciduous trees like this Northern Hackberry.Gray Catbirds are abundant in shrubby gardens and thickets. Most will come out of hiding to investigate disturbances like an observer making a pishing sound.Another inhabitant of brushy successional growth is the Common Yellowthroat. It too is curious and responds quickly to squeaky sounds made by human visitors to their home ground.The Yellow-breasted Chat is a bird of early successional growth. To establish and defend a breeding territory, this one adopted a perch along the edge of a woodlands overlooking a field in which prescribed fire was administered less than two months ago.Like the mockingbird and thrasher, the Yellow-breasted Chat is a mimic. Its song is a repertoire of the calls and songs of the bird species with which it may compete for food and nesting space. Unique to the chat is an occasional pause, whistle, or “chuck” note that creates a bridge between many of its song’s elements.
Sometimes we have to count ourselves lucky if we see just one in five, ten, or even twenty of the birds we hear in the cover of the forest canopy or thicket. But that’s what makes this time of year so rewarding for the dedicated observer. The more time you spend out there, the more you’ll eventually discover. See you afield!
A singing Scarlet Tanager lurking in the shade of an oak. Seeing is believing.
