Yellow Warbler, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, Ohio

The Yellow Warbler is, perhaps, the most common warbler along the Magee Marsh Boardwalk on the Erie Shore of Ohio during migration. It might be outnumbered by Magnolia or Black-throated Green, or Chestnut-sided on individual days, but the Yellow is a nesting bird all across North America and has the staying power and numbers to win the overall title. I think. That is certainly how it appears most years on the boardwalk. Being common we birders tend not to pay them as much attention. You can spot a “non-birder” on the boardwalk easily…they are the ones super excited by Yellow Warblers (and generally the ones trying to photograph them with their cell phones). But we birders, at least those of us who ignore “just another yellow”, are wrong. There is no reason not to get excited about a Yellow Warbler. It is among the most beautiful of warblers with its bright yellow, red streaked, plumage and its bold song…and they sing a lot. This bird was holding forth on the East end of the boardwalk on one of my final early evening visits. I am as guilty as anyone of paying too little attention to Yellows, until one jumps up and sings in my face, so that I have to take its photo. Sony RX10iv at 600mm. Program mode. 1/500th @ f4 @ ISO 320. Processed in Polarr.