The most common migratory warbler in these parts is probably the Eastern Yellow-rumped warbler and it is certainly the first species I’m likely to see in April, as well as the last one in November. Yet it is the Magnolia warbler that I see the most often; not necessarily large numbers of them at any given site, but definitely the most likely warbler to suddenly appear at a hotspot, or even at any location at the right moment during migration. I’ve even seen one in the backyard from time to time. It is usually the first juvenile warbler I see in late summer as well. This year I spotted a juvenile Wilson’s first and that was not expected. I’m even given to expect no sightings at all while I’m unable to visit hotspots. The street-side woodlot, which extends for about 300 – 400 meters before the road turns away from the woods remains a minor blessing otherwise I would never see any warblers.
Juvenile Magnolia warbler
