So goodbye yellow butt birds
You’ll be leaving town any day now
I can’t trap you in my backyard
You’re heading out of the south
Obviously I had another song by Sir Elton floating around in my brain as I wrote this post; but the gist of it is, my Yellow-rumped Warblers will (heavy sigh!) be leaving soon.
I can tell by the ways the males have darkened up that mating (and migrating) season is upon us. When these birds first arrived to spend the winter months, the coloring was the same soft brown for both the males and the females. Here’s a reminder photo of what they looked like a couple months ago.
Now, the gals, like the one below, have stayed the same…
…but the fellows have undergone a major transformation.
They really are rather dashing and debonair, wouldn’t you say?
I like how the pictures below seem like black and white photos that I colorized, but that’s just how the lighting was yesterday.
I hate to see these beautiful birds go, but their return gives me something to joyfully anticipate.
Backyard Bird Nerd 
They are beautiful. I will watch for them to arrive here on the shores of Lake Erie.
Enjoy them!
Gosh, Kathy, the “black and white” version is even more beautiful! Wow! So many birds coming and going and always something new to look forward to. ❤
I really love these little guys. They are so much fun to watch.
I like how the male has the hint of white under his eyes. These birds have gorgeous feather combinations. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome. This is another one of those birds that simply makes me smile. 🙂
Oh are these beautiful- and THANK YOU for putting a new song in my head today! 🙂
I really will be a little sad when they head up north. Maybe they’ll stop by your place. 🙂
I hope so!!!
They have arrived in Illinois!
Take good care of them, and send them back in the fall! 🙂
Yes Kathy, seasons have their way of bringing variety into our life and with it anticipation of the return of things we love. Likewise, our migratory friends have left for the winter, and I look forward to seeing them and hearing them again in late spring. I Love your beautiful bird pics:-)
Now I wait for the Hummingbirds and butterflies!
Lovely photos, Kathy! It’s like having your kids leave, knowing they always come back for your awesome meals!
Now that is definitely true!
Yellow Butt Birds 😀
I’m sorry to see them go too, but as you say, it gives us something to look forward to next season. Beautiful photos as always ❤
Thanks. I really will miss them.
Their transformation is amazing! Enjoyed your photos and your lyrics! Hehe! 😄
The transformation in their behavior is pretty amazing too. They go from all getting along, to major territory wars!
Great photos of a beautiful little bird.
They are delightful little birds to have around.
WOW WOW WOW
Wow! they surely do give the girls a show in colours and markings, simply gorgeous. Love seeing the process of the change too.
Kath.