The Warbler Code!

American Redstart

This is going around on Facebook, but I thought I would post it here as well!

The Warbler Code

1. Warblers are meant to be heard, not seen. Occasionally. Faintly. Most often by others.
2. When chasing a warbler, remember to check terrain. Hospital visits after falls can last throughout migration.
3. When warblers are personally seen, others will not see them.
4. When warblers are seen by others, your chances run between 0-5%.  5% might be optimistic.
5. "Right there" does not constitute a direction.
6. Most of us do not know our tree species. "The Chestnut-sided is 20 feet up in the purple gallinaceous sumac" is not helpful.
7. Warbler songs cross over. Yellow and Chestnut-sided are particularly apt to get you in trouble. American Redstarts revel in their ability to sound like others.
8. Those who recognize warblers by chip notes are worth their weight in gold. Follow them discretely, like within 18 inches.
9. Others will not hear what you hear. When you point out a song, warblers interpret your pointing as "shut up".
10. When all else fails, enjoy the cardinals or orioles.

All true!

American Redstart © 2017 Mike McDowell