Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata auduboni).are often nicknamed "Butterbutts" by birders because of the bright yellow patch on their rump (just above the tail), though in these shots, you can see the other key yellow parts best. I have seen these birds during migration when they are passing through southern Wisconsin.
The plant the warbler is perched on is a Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta).
These plants are native to Baja. Yellow-rumped Warblers (and other small birds) eat the insects who live in the
"Shag" of dead, brown fronds that hang down the trunk. This creates a habitat for insects, which is exactly what the warblers are hunting for.
The green fronds provide excellent cover from the desert sun and predators like hawks.
Yellow rumped Warbler perched on an Agave plant
this is a California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica).
These birds are highly intelligent members of the corvid family (which includes crows and ravens) and are a common sight along the Pacific Coast
These Jays are bold, loud, and quite vocal.
Northern Mockingbirds are the legendary vocalists of the bird world. Mockingbirds can learn up to 200 different songs in their lifetime, including mimicry of other birds, car alarms, and even barking dogs.
The cactus is a Cardon which is the tallest cacti in the world, capable of reaching heights over 18 meters (60 feet).
Woodpeckers and flickers drill holes into the fleshy stems, which then become "apartments" for other birds like the mockingbird.
It's always fun to see different birds who don't live in my area!
