East Tennessee Wildlife: Warbler Photographing the beauty of Tennessee, and the wildlife who call it home.

By Kalley CooK

In Tennessee we have a spring migration and a fall migration. These two times during the year are when different kinds of warblers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, vireos, tanagers, and many other species are migrating through Tennessee. Of course, I keep my eyes open for all species, but the warblers are what I focus on most! During spring migration, the birds are going to their summer breeding grounds in Mexico or further south. Fall migration is when they return. While the spring migration is almost at an end, you’re not too late to see birds you might not have ever seen before. Habitat plays a role in what you might see, so going to different places like parks, the Smokies, and greenways might help your chances of seeing a greater number of species, but you can definitely see them in your yard where woods and creeks are present. Early morning is best to get out and watch for these birds and just listen for their beautiful songs. I suggest getting some binoculars as these migrates can be hard to spot. If you feel like you’ve missed spring migration, then keep in mind it happens again in the fall. Happy Birding!

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Common Yellowthroat - Unfortunately, these species are declining due to the loss of marshes. Even on the decline, they are still pretty common during migration as of now and I always look for them with every migration anytime I’m close to marshy habitat. I love their mask on their face and it is one way to identify between male and female, as the female lacks the mask. They are another species of the warbler family.

Prothonotary WarblerThese beautiful, bouncy birds are always on the move, which makes them so hard to photograph but are one of my favorite warblers. Not only are they beautiful but their songs are too. Your best bet of finding one is walking close to water edges and with them being a fairly large warbler makes them easier to spot, not to mention that bright yellow makes it easier as well.

Yellow-Throated

Warbler - For me, these are fairly easy warblers to photograph as they love to sing in open treetops. They are also one of the earliest warblers to arrive in Tennessee during spring migration. Not all warblers are yellow I promise, but it seems like I photograph the warblers with yellow most. Other warblers like black and white warbler, cerulean warbler, black-throated blue warbler are just as beautiful without the yellow!