The arrival of summer and migrant warblers has begun in mid Missouri, ushered in by a steady south breeze. The latter will bring increasing humidity to our region and periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected over the next four days.
Of the many warblers that pass through this area, a dozen or so will stay for the summer while most head to the Great North Woods or to one of the mountain corridors. Small, active, insectivores, these travelers pose an identification challenge for most birders (beginners and veterans alike). Fortunately, some have very distinctive calls but their plumage can be difficult to study as they flit among the trees; those arriving before the trees leaf out are somewhat easier to identify.
The warbler wave will continue through May; by June, avid birders can finally relax and focus on those species that are familiar summer residents.
