Early last week I headed out to the Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park in Fuquay-Varina N.C. to see what birds I could find.
Happily I was able to spot a few Red-eyed Vireos in the forest at the edge of an open field. I’ve been trying to get a good clear photo of one all year but since they usually hang out in the heavily shaded mid to upper canopy of the trees, that has been difficult.

These sweet little birds actually hang out in my own back yard but are somewhat shy when it comes to having their photos taken.
If you’d like to attract Red-eyed Vireos to your own yard here are some ideas that may help…

50% of the Red-eyed Vireo’s summer diet is composed of caterpillars. They will also eat a variety other insects too, so fostering an insect friendly environment is key to attracting it. Caterpillar friendly trees like Oak, Beech and Maple are Red-eyed Vireo favorites. In addition to insects, the Red-eyed Vireo will eat small berries – especially towards fall migration – so planting and maintaining berry producing shrubs shown in the list below is a good idea.

* American Elderberry
* Arrowwood
* Northern Bayberry
* Red Mulberry
* Sassafras
* Serviceberry
* Spicebush
* Sumac
* Wild Cherry

Photos by
@sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame SLR, the @canonusa
#5Ds
#yourshotphotographer