The Great Warbler Migration

It that time of year again...The great Warbler Migration! There are 57 species of warblers and many come through Florida on their way south/ Most wood warblers migrate from the northern US and Canada all the way down to the Caribbean and South American. How do these teeny tiny birds make it all the way down here and fly such long distances? These little guys will fly all through the night so large flocks can get through long distances without being seen or disturbed. They will land in "fall out" areas during the day to rest and refuel on bugs and berries mostly.

Which warblers winter here in Florida and which ones are just passing through?

Wintering Residents:Yellow Rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Black and White Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow Throated Warbler.

Migrants: Cape May Warbler, Overbird, Prothonotary Warbler, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut Sided Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Orange Crowned Warbler

Why is Florida a Warbler migration hub?

Florida has several migration routes called "Flyways" where in one place you can spot hundreds of species of birds where otherwise you would have to travel great distances to find them. During spring mirgations birds may encounter cold fronts and squall lines which birds cannot fly through if the rain is heavy so they will seek land. Normally in good weather they fly hundreds of miles inland and will rest in remote forests that are inaccessible. The closet land along their migration route is...you guessed FLORIDA! Florida also has many barrier islands which are also called "migrant traps". Hundreds of birds stop on these barrier islands to seek shelter and rest, such as Dry tortugas, Cape Florida state park, Hypoluxo Island, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Ft Desoto Park, Honeymoon Island, Cedar Key, St George Island, St Joseph state park, St Andrews Bay state park, and Fort Pickens. Adding to that much of the Florida Keys are also a hub for wood warblers. When birds lands on these fall out island birders are in heaven and can many species in these area. Florida is in the direct path of of those major migration routes that provides a place to rest, relax, and refuel. #BirdingParadise

#WarblerMania