I live for spring warbler migration, and this year got off to a slow start. I’m happy to report that warblers have arrived in good numbers, as they journey to northern nesting grounds.
I’ve learned that some birds prefer showers over baths. As part of doing my small part in providing for the needs of our feathered friends, I’ve learned to spray a big leaf hydrangea, (which I call the Warbling Bush), in the backyard with water. This time of year, at the peak of warbler migration through southeast Michigan, the warblers often appear within minutes. Some take a dip in the saucer bath or the fountain. Others go straight for the pockets of water held in the hydrangea leaves. Being able to provide this basic necessity is a joy that never gets old.
My husband and I live in an older suburb of Detroit, with lots on the modest size. In the 26 years we’ve lived here, we’ve turned the backyard from a boring sodscape into a perennial garden with woodchip paths. Birds and pollinators are the focus of plantings. We’re very fortunate to live in an area with mature oak trees, a keystone species that supports an amazing amount and variety of insect life. So there’s no need to feed the warblers. They come for the banquet set for them by nature. What we can do is give them a protected space, with water for drinking, bathing, and in this case, showering.
The view from my perch next to the house. Bird fountain is on the right. The warbling bush is center left, with a saucer birdbath underneath.
Warblers are tiny birds, smaller than sparrows. With the hydrangea fully leafed out, they can easily hide behind one leaf. Sometimes all I see is movement in the leaves as the birds flutter through them. If I’m lucky, a bird will shimmy out in the open, or pause in the sunlight to preen if it feels safe enough. The birds scoot/fly through the leaves. Sometimes they find a spot where the water has pooled and they pause to soak it up. Our resident bigger birds, (Robins, Mourning Doves, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Starlings and Common Grackles), seem to prefer the saucer bath or the fountain. I’ve never seen them engage with or pick on the warblers.
A closer view of the hydrangea, with some bleeding heart in the foreground. There’s a second hydrangea to the right, but with smaller leaves. The warblers definitely prefer the larger leafed bush, I think because the leaves hold more water and provide better protection.
A close up of the wet hydrangea leaves with a ruler for scale.
Recently, four species have been taking advantage of the water and coming down from the canopy where they usually hang out. What follows are series of photos from the past week.
. . . and opting instead for a flutter through the wet leaves. Zoom.
Then hit the shower. Zoom.
Giving the chest feathers a good soaking. Zoom.
Recently, Bay-breasted Warblers have been singing almost non-stop. It’s very exciting to hear the song getting louder and louder as the birds come down from the heights. Sometimes they come to the water and sometimes they move on. At one point, there were three that I could see, all males. Once they were done showering, they started trying to claim the territory. The title photo starts the sequence.
Getting the underwings and tail. Zoom.
Really working to get the most out of the water droplets. Zoom.
Diving deeper into leaves. Zoom.
My spark bird is the Blackburnian Warbler. I didn’t even know warblers existed until one showed up years ago in the backyard bird fountain. I’ve been smitten ever since.
This year, a female came down first. Zoom.
Then the male came to check out the saucer bath and found it not to his liking. Zoom.
This and the next photo show how the birds fly/scoot through the leaves. Zoom.
Using the cup-like form of the leaves. Zoom.
I had two firsts in backyard bird showers this month.
Baltimore Orioles will come down for the orange halves I set out. I’ve never seen one in the hydrangea before. Zoom.
And I’ve never seen a Red-eyed Vireo at eye level. At first, I caught only a glimpse because the bird was in the back of the bush. I saw the strong eyeline and thought it might be a Tennessee Warbler, which are everywhere these days. Something told me to check closer and I got lucky when the bird moved to my side of the bush.
True to their non-stop singing this time of year, this one paused to burst into song. Zoom.
THE DAILY BUCKET IS A NATURE REFUGE. WE AMICABLY DISCUSS ANIMALS, WEATHER, CLIMATE, SOIL, PLANTS, WATERS AND NOTE LIFE’S PATTERNS.
I have an appointment at 10:00 and will be back at noon to respond to comments. Meanwhile, carry on, Bucketeers!
