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Wilson’s Warbler near Summer’s End
A bird that can benefit from shade-grown coffee!
© Paul Higgins
By early August, the rich yellow of the feathers of the Wilson's Warbler seems to flash in every forest thicket. Despite predators and weather, many pairs of adults have raised four young, which now flit about on their own. The young males hatched this spring learned their father's songs this summer. Next spring, they, too, will sing those songs. By buying shade-grown coffee, you can help preserve the wintering grounds of this bird and many others.
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BirdNote®
Wilson’s Warbler Near Summer’s End
Written by Bob Sundstrom
This is BirdNote.
It’s the tail end of summer, and the Wilson’s Warbler’s had a busy few months.
[Wilson’s Warbler song]
In May, courtship and nesting reached full swing. The tiny yellow birds made their homes amidst dense thickets in the humid and boreal coastal forests of northern North America.
By early August, those forests were alive with flashes of yellow. Despite the attentions of predators and the vagaries of weather, many adult pairs have raised their four young, which flit and flicker amidst the undergrowth.
Young male warblers, fledged in June or July, have been learning their fathers’ songs all summer. Next spring, they will sing these songs, too.
[Wilson’s Warbler song]
By early September, perhaps after one last afternoon dip in a local puddle, Wilson’s Warblers will begin their migratory trek south. Flying after dark to avoid predators, feeding in cover during the day, these tiny birds are bound for Belize - where many will find a winter home on a coffee farm.
[Wilson’s Warbler song]
So if you’re a coffee-drinker and you choose to buy shade-grown coffee, you’re helping to preserve the wintering grounds of this bird and many others. Learn more about the difference you can make for birds when you visit our website, BirdNote.org. I’m Michael Stein.
[Wilson’s Warbler song]
BirdNote is grateful to all listeners who provide financial support to this show. You can join them at BirdNote.org.
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Senior Producer: Mark Bramhill
Producer: Sam Johnson
Managing Producer: Jazzi Johnson
Managing Producer: Ariana Remmel
Content Director: Jonese Franklin
Bird sounds provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Wilson's Warbler recorded by T.G. Sander.
BirdNote's theme music was composed and played by Nancy Rumbel and John Kessler.
© 2014 BirdNote August 2018/2020 & September 2026
Narrator: Michael Stein
ID# WIWA-05d-2020-08-31 WIWA-05d
Bob Sundstrom
Writer
Michael Stein
NarratorSights & Sounds
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