Tips for Finding Warblers

It is that magical time of year that every birder eagerly awaits: warbler season. Each May we are graced with the beauty of over 35 warbler species, some of whom will stay in the area for nesting season, while others only make pit stops on their journey to their breeding grounds. Warblers are on every bird watcher's "must-see" list, but they are notoriously tough to find (and even tougher to photograph!). The challenge warblers present is all part of the fun and excitement of spring birding. Here are some of my top tips to help you find those species you're looking for.

Blackburnian Warbler, female

Look up (but also look down)
Most warbler species spend most of their time searching for insects high in the treetops. This can make finding them a pain in the neck - literally ('warbler neck' is a serious affliction for birders in the spring!). When searching for warblers in the spring, use binoculars to slowly scan around the canopy for tiny movements in the leaves. It's a bonus if the trees have catkins or flowers that attract insects, since that is what the birds are hunting for. Keep an eye on the tips of the highest branches for males singing their songs, especially first thing in the morning. Though most warblers tend to stay up high, there are certain species who spend their time ground to mid-level. Those species include: American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Ovenbird, and a few others. You may also have luck finding a variety of warbler species closer to eye-level if you come across fruit-bearing trees or shrubs that are in bloom, or a shallow water source where there is an abundance of insects. So yes, keep an eye on the treetops, but don't discredit those little movements and flashes of colour you may see closer to the ground. 

Listen closely
Warblers, males specifically, are looking for love and establishing their territories this time of year. They do both of these by singing songs that are unique to them. Lucky for us, they sing loudly and they sing often. Paying attention to the sounds around you when looking for warblers is often key to locating them among dense foliage. Even if you aren't sure what the species is that you're hearing, just listening and following the sound can help lead you to the bird making it. If you are in an area with little other sound interference (traffic, people talking, dogs barking, etc), try using the smartphone app Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Merlin allows you to download packs of regional species information, record birds calling in-app, and then IDs them for you in real time. It is remarkably accurate when there is little interference from outside noise and is a great way to learn how to pinpoint different calls to figure out who is making them. You may not always see the bird who's singing, but that's okay. Familiarizing yourself with the sounds will help next time warbler season rolls around.

Northern Parula, male

Stay still
While looking for warblers and other spring birds such as tanagers, buntings, and vireos, it's important to give yourself time - lots of time. Most of these birds are about the size of a goldfinch and move very quickly in and out of foliage, which is why it can be so difficult to see them. Take your time scanning the trees and listening for songs and calls. Stop and wait if you think you've found a promising spot. Sometimes birds will retreat further in the bushes or trees if they feel a threat is present (aka, you), but if you are still long enough they will resume regular activities and you might get lucky enough to catch a glimpse. If you do spot a bird and would like to get a better angle for viewing, move very slowly and walk as light-footed as possible to decrease the chance of disturbing or startling the bird.

Keep practicing
Warbler season is so short each spring. Many pass through giving only a short window (a few weeks) to view and photograph certain species. Don't beat yourself up if you didn't see much this year, it takes a lot of practice, patience, and luck to find warblers. Your warbler finding skills will only improve over time. You can boost your chances of finding more species next spring by brushing up on sound ID skills & researching habitat and behaviours of warbler species in the off season. 

Pine Warbler, male, feeding on suet

You can help attract warblers to your yard by creating a bird-friendly habitat using native plants for shelter & food, providing a source of clean water for them to drink from & bathe in, keeping cats indoors, installing window markers to help prevent window strikes, and avoiding pesticide use. Some warblers will even visit feeders for high-quality suet such as SuperSuet for a boost during migration. Click here to learn more about creating a bird-friendly yard.

Happy trails!
- Shayna