Page 12 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Spring Giver 2023

A Symphony of Color:

Exploring the World of Warblers By Mathieu Carroll

At a quick glance, we could think this article is about a
tropical vacation; a far away land filled with colourful birds.
In fact, all these birds were photographed right here in
Miramichi. Don’t believe me? They belong to a group called
warblers.
The Wood Warblers (F: Parulidae) of North America
are some of the most colourful birds in the entire northern
hemisphere. In Field Guide to the Birds (1934), famed
American naturalist Roger Tory Peterson describes them as
the sprightly “butterflies” of the bird world. Fitting, because
their beauty is matched only by their diversity.
There are many kinds of warblers. Twenty-three species
spend their summer here in New Brunswick while another
14 others pass through on occasion. Warblers make up
roughly half of all birds in our forest. Yes! Often, our idea
of songbirds comes from seed feeders while most species
Yellow Warbler, photo by Peter Gadd.
actually only eat insects. They spend their time in trees and
bushes out of sight and largely out of mind.
Warblers are also champion migrators. Lack of insects
and cold weather force them to fly south in the fall. The
following spring, they race back in waves; warm weather
marks the return of insects and the breeding season. The
spring migration rush is also an exciting time for
birdwatchers. The bulk of the migrating birds pass through
before tree leaves have a chance to open. The bare trees
provide an opportunity for us to see these otherwise elusive
birds. There are only a couple of weeks of viewing before
foliage reclaims the branches.
Nature Miramichi invites the public to join the Warbler
Walks held in May. These guided bird walks at French Fort
Cove take advantage of the viewing window and are a great
way for new birdwatchers to see and identify songbirds.
Northern Parula. Copyright Phil Riebel Photography.

Magnolia Warbler. Copyright Phil Riebel Photography. Chestnut-sided Warbler, photo by Peter Gadd.

12 www.GiverMiramichi.com Spring 2023