Townsend's Warbler male profile showing white wingbars black face mask perched in douglas-fir branch in redwood forest in Northern California

Townsend’s Warbler, Winter Gem of the Conifers

How lucky the West Coast is to harbor the vibrant Townsend’s Warbler during the nonbreeding months! Though we see this bright little jewel almost every winter day here in the mixed conifer forest, each viewing stops us in our tracks.

Townsend's Warbler male showing black throat perched in douglas-fir branch in redwood forest in Northern California
Townsend’s Warbler

On our road today, we encountered a cluster of Townsend’s actively foraging in the doug-firs, presumably migrating north. We soaked up views from all angles as they flitted about, singing sporadically.

Townsend's Warbler male showing black throat yellow breast perched in douglas-fir branch in redwood forest in Northern California
A nice head-on view
Townsend's Warbler male perched in douglas-fir branch in redwood forest in Northern California
Black throat of a male

Have a listen below.

We’ll miss these darlings as they all move north to breed in parts of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alaska.

Townsend's Warbler male perched in douglas-fir branch in redwood forest in Northern California

Winter’s ornament
Masked, charming conifer gem
Bon voyage, breed well

Townsend's Warbler male perched in douglas-fir branch in redwood forest in Northern California
Townsend’s Warbler

 

7 thoughts on “Townsend’s Warbler, Winter Gem of the Conifers

  1. Another wonderful blog. I love these guys. You were the people who first pointed them out to me.

    1. Beautiful as always. How fun to hear and see an actual flock of them;-) I will miss them until they return in the Fall. And a very sweet little haiku. Take care in your woods, you two. Kathleen

  2. I love that bird, makes my day when I see one. Devil’s Gulch cheese has one on the label, I cut it out and put it on my steering wheel.

  3. Glad to see you guys are doing well and keeping up with the birding. We also have been having Rufous Hummingbirds, 4 for sure, showing up at our feeders here in Rohnert Park for the last 5 days, along with at least 2 Hooded Orioles. As always love the blog and Teresa’s photos. Take care, Sue & Mike

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