By: Sally Siko

Of all the species of warblers found in central North Carolina, no one has given me more trouble to photograph than the Hooded Warbler.
It’s not that they are uncommon or super fast on the wing, rather it’s their proclivity for hiding in the shadows of the brush that provides the challenge of getting a good shot.

They are striking birds with a onyx black hood, inky black eyes and a bright yellow body.
Since they tend to stick to the shadows of the undergrowth capturing a quality photograph which shows off that bright yellow color is difficult since the dark canopy washes out their yellow plumage with a lime green color.
Recently my luck changed and I finally was able to catch a few portraits of this beauty out in the open.
While I’m not 100% happy with this shot, it’s the best I’ve managed to capture so far.
If nothing else, it’s a step in the right direction lol!

Like most warblers, the Hooded spends the winter entirely south of the United States.
Unlike other warblers they prefer to hunt for a six or eight legged meal in the forest understory, inhabiting the 10-30′ high zone well below the canopy of the forest.
This a great warbler to search for if your neck is sore from looking up into the treetops for other species. A nice way to avoid “warbler neck” lol!
In the central and eastern parts of the state, Hooded Warblers are usually found in moderate to thick stands of shrubs and in the semi open understory trees in moist hardwood forests and are most numerous in brownwater river floodplains and near woodland creeks.
In the mountains, they are often found in rhododendron or mountain laurel stands, preferably where there is a water source nearby.

Look for these gorgeous feathered gems from late April through late September/ early October in the Piedmont region and coastal counties.
In the mountains, you can find them in elevations below 4000ft through early October as well.

Photos by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my beloved full frame 50MP beast, the mighty @canonusa #5Ds