I live in Newfoundland, Canada. Two days ago I saw what looks like a yellow warbler in our yard (according to google images). We get them in the summer, but never after September. It's been a very warm fall/winter. He's hanging out with our American Goldfinches, and comes to the feeder when they do. He seems to be eating sunflower seeds that have already been broken open, but is having a hard time of it. He goes all over the trees looking for bugs too. According to what I have read up on them, warblers only eat insects. Does anyone know if they can survive on seed? Any ideas on what I can do to try and make it a little easier for this guy? He's going to have a very hard time of it, otherwise.
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Yellow warbler eating from bird feeder? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Kovarr
- Start date
timbobaggins
Well-known member
Not unusual for some warblers to overwinter, especially in well stocked gardens but of course they're always a delight to see. I had a Blackcap in my garden here in the UK (York) a couple of years ago shortly after xmas and it was the only bird feeding on my mom's xmas cake that i got sick of eating! Kept it going for a week so anything fruity might be an idea for your fellah? Hope he survives.
ovenbird43
Well-known member
Maybe you could try setting out some mealworms? They'd probably have to be chopped, whole mealworms would probably be too big for a warbler.
You might try fruit too, but I don't know that the Yellow Warbler would eat it or digest it well; only a handful of species such as the Yellow-rumped Warbler regularly consume fruit, which allows that particular species to winter much farther north than others.
You might try fruit too, but I don't know that the Yellow Warbler would eat it or digest it well; only a handful of species such as the Yellow-rumped Warbler regularly consume fruit, which allows that particular species to winter much farther north than others.
Ok, thanks a lot, appreciate it. We get these little guys in the summer, and I really didn't want him to die. If he doesn't make it, as least I know I tried my best. The hard part is going to be putting something out for him that the other birds won't eat up, lol. Those Goldfinches, and the Pine Siskin we have are bully-birds. I'll try some fruitcake we have here.
Update on Yellow Bird
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c88/PardyShannon/Yellowbird1_zps91e877c2.jpg
If anyone would like to see that bird, here is a picture. It seems to eat the cake, but only a few bites. I can't see it getting any bugs, as there is deep snow on the ground, and it doesn't seem to be able to eat seeds at all, just picks them up, looks blank, and drops them. Sadly, there is no way to get live bugs where I live. He must be doing something ok, he's lasted this long.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c88/PardyShannon/Yellowbird1_zps91e877c2.jpg
If anyone would like to see that bird, here is a picture. It seems to eat the cake, but only a few bites. I can't see it getting any bugs, as there is deep snow on the ground, and it doesn't seem to be able to eat seeds at all, just picks them up, looks blank, and drops them. Sadly, there is no way to get live bugs where I live. He must be doing something ok, he's lasted this long.
EMalatesta
Well-known member
That's actually a Pine Warbler. You're more likely to see one in the colder months, and it's not unusual for them to turn up at bird feeders.
jogresh
Bimble and patch
Great bird! One thing which warblers will eat is suet, over here in the shops you can buy shredded beef suet in packets, one brand is called "Atora". It's for home cooking, baking pies etc. Of course, things may be a little different in Canada, but anyway it's ideal for warblers if you can get it! Also, mealworms can usually be sent in the post..
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