Everywhere I look I see a blur of buttery butts! The Yellow-rumped Warblers have arrived in full force!

I absolutely adore these little birds.  Currently, their coloring is soft and subdued, but as spring approaches their markings will become much bolder.

They were rather amiable when they first arrived to spend the winter months, even sitting side by side as they filled up at the feeders.  But as mating season approaches, their aerial antics are becoming quite impressive.  They dip and dart and dive bomb one another off of the branches.  I’m sure the males think their female counterparts are impressed with such displays.  In reality, I’ll bet the women Warblers are simply shaking their heads saying, “Too much testosterone!”

Like most songbirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers are quite vocal.  They are known to sing a very sweet warble, but more often than not, I hear them spurting out strings of single-syllable, staccato chirps.

Besides their beauty and their entertaining behavior, I think what I love most about them is the glint in their eyes.  Alert and intelligent, they always look like they are contemplating a bit of mischief making.

Just for you, over the course of the past week, I have braved the below freezing temperatures, endured the blustery elements, and stood outside in the bitter cold, so I could post pictures of these wonderful little Warblers.  Okay, who am I kidding?  It was really just for me!  I love bundling up and heading outside with my camera. Still, I hope you enjoy them too.

Here are a few more that I just had to include….