By: Sally Siko- Admin Birdwatching NC
I never tire of taking photos of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the wintertime. These little birds are friendly and curious, even when they are in snacking mode.
One of the reasons why the Yellow-rumps spend their winters further north than other Warbler species is that they can digest the berries of the Wax Myrtle. These bushy/trees are found throughout central and coastal regions throughout the state of N.C., especially near ponds, marshes, and lakes.
The ability to digest Wax Myrtle fruit gives Yellow-rumps a distinct advantage in the foraging department because most birds cannot eat these berries, thus the Yellow-rumps have a monopoly on a relatively abundant wintertime food source here in central & eastern NC.
The only other bird I can think of at the moment that consumes Wax Myrtle berries is another winter resident, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
If anyone out there knows of any other bird species who eats this stuff, let me know!
I captured these pics of one eating the winter bounty of Wax Myrtle a few days ago at Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs, NC.
Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc
Canon 5Ds
Come birding with me! I’ve got a few tours scheduled for Bass Lake Park in 2020. Check out the link below for trip details and available dates.