FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Any time, Pine Warbler

[canyon.eagle@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Good morning VAbirders!

Another mulching day cometh, and the Robins are probably drooling thinking 
about those fat worms I'll uncover for them today.

My new found friend and bright spot in our garden Pine Warbler has 
departed.  He and I got quite chummy before he left and I shall miss 
him.  I first met him on March 26 and he kept us company until April 2.  He 
was an easy guest and fit right in and made himself at home.  He wasn't 
fussy but instead chowed down with gusto.  It did my heart good to watch 
him eat.

Unlike the Goldfinches he hung out with, he didn't rattle easily and would 
keep on eating when there was activity or noise.  He would "step aside" 
momentarily when the Grackles barged their way in, but would be the first 
one back when they moved on.  He was a bold little bird, his brightness 
suited him.

He was a singer and his song filled our garden throughout the day.  You 
didn't have to wonder if he was still about, all you had to do was 
listen.  He got comfortable with my presence as I puttered about the garden 
or filled the feeders.  By the third day he would sit on top of the feeder, 
head cocked, and watch me make the rounds.  Each day after that he'd wait 
until I got a little closer before flitting aside as I filled the 
feeder.  I started chatting with him and he seemed to be listening.

On April 2, in accord with our routine, he sat on top of the feeder and 
waited until I was about 5' away before moving.  This time he didn't fly 
across the yard but instead popped up into the Tupelo tree, sitting about 
6' over my head.  He belted out his trilling song and I grinned up at him 
and said, "Thank you!"

And when the next morning dawned, he had left.

Come back and visit any time, Pine Warbler.

Lori Markoff
Vienna
Fairfax County
canyon.eagle@xxxxxxxxxxx

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