While birding at Harris Lake Park in New Hill N.C. last week, I spotted this handsome male Common Yellowthroat warbler.
Like visiting with an old friend, I’ve been keeping an eye on this bird all summer and it’s wonderful to see him at a reliable spot.

These brightly colored warblers are one of very few that will nest in open marshes with a range that stretches from from California to the Carolinas.
They can be found foraging for insects such as dragonflies, caterpillars, spiders and beetles near bodies of water who’s shoreline is ringed with scrubby trees, dense bushes and tall grass.

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As you can see by these photos, some of the vegetation here in central North Carolina is already turning brown as the autumn season approaches.
The Common Yellowthroat is a year round resident in the coastal regions of N.C. They generally stick around the Triangle area through late November but occasionally will spend the winters here as well. Mountain populations of these birds will hang around until October before their depart for warmer climates in the south eastern states.
There’s still plenty of time to go see one this summer so get out there and enjoy them!

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