The Pursuit of Warblers: January 2026

Saturday, January 31, 2026

January ends with my 20th warbler species of the year

Wilson's Warbler, Ormond Beach Sports Complex, Ormond Beach, FL, Jan 31, 2026

To end the first month of the year I headed out toward the coast to try once again for the reported Wilson's Warbler in Ormond and this time I had success fairly quickly. It was tough to get good photos of the bird as it was very active in dense tangles. At times the bird would be calling quite a bit but mostly it was silent and just took patience to see. The Wilson's Warbler became warbler species #20 for me for the year and was a great way to end out January...as always one of my favorite warbler species. I tried to relocate the Nashville Warbler I had at the same location without any luck.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Week three in Florida

Cape May Warbler, Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 19, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 19, 2026

Orange crowned Warbler, Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 19, 2026

Yellow throated Warbler, Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 19, 2026

The third week in Florida started off cold with another frosty morning on Monday. Although cold it was still much better than the weather at home which featured snow, cold and wind. At least the sun was out here in Florida although the slight breeze and temps that never got out of the 50's made it less than a great day. Nonetheless I still was out and about although I still needed to stay fairly close to home to take care of Wilson. I started off the morning at Gemini Springs Park before deciding to head into Orlando with a visit to Ward Park to see if I could find a Cape May Warbler that is overwintering among a few bottlebrush trees. I found the Cape May Warbler incredibly fast and got some photos of the stunning male. This added another warbler species for the year (#13). There were other warblers around the area too and by the end of the morning (with the addition of another trip to Gemini Springs Park, this time with Wilson) I had found eight species.

Common Yellowthroat, Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 20, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 20, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 20, 2026

Northern Yellow Warbler, Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 20, 2026

It was yet another frosty morning on Tuesday and I decided to head north to Lake Woodruff NWR as I had just part of the morning free. It was a cold walk and as the breeze picked up at ties it was downright uncomfortable. I walked a variety of trails over the course of almost two and a half hours with the highlight being a continued Northern Yellow Warbler I found last week. I had half a dozen warbler species at Lake Woodruff NWR and then added three more species when I took Wilson for a walk at nearby Blue Heron Nature Park. Not a bad day considering the cool temps and the wind.

Louisiana Waterthrush, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Northern Waterthrush, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Orange crowned Warbler, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

American Redstart, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Ovenbird, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Black throated Blue Warbler, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Northern Parula with leg band, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

For Wednesday I had the full morning and part of the afternoon available and took advantage by getting up early and heading well south in search of a very rare in winter Swainson's Warbler. I had seen the species in the tropics before but had never seen it in the US so it was worth trying for it. It was found about a week and a half before at Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, a small park in Vero Beach. I wanted to try for it before but the weather and other factors would not allow it. I left well before dawn and made it down there around 7AM and started looking and listening. I had a few other warblers around including my first Black throated Blue Warbler for the year as well as a banded Northern Parula. After about 45 minutes I had brief looks at the Swainson's Warbler and added a new warbler to both my US list (warbler species #50) and a new one for Florida (#28). I tried and tried to get more looks and a photo but all I managed was another fleeting glimpse as it interacted with an Ovenbird. Since I was so far south I decided to try another area nearby that featured a lot of warblers for a fellow birder. My time at Fort Drum Conservation Area was very productive with a dozen species of warblers including two rare for the area (Louisiana Waterthrush and Magnolia Warbler) as well as multiple American Redstarts and loads of Black and White Warblers. I really wish I had more time and the wind was a little lighter as I'm sure I could have turned up even more stuff. Overall for the day I had 16 species of warblers...my best day by far for the year. More on this days adventure can be found at the following link: Swainson's Warbler.

Orange crowned Warbler, Gemini Spring Park, Deltona, FL, Jan 22, 2026

Pine Warbler, Gemini Spring Park, Deltona, FL, Jan 22, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Gemini Spring Park, Deltona, FL, Jan 22, 2026

After a long drive the day before I decided to stay very local on Thursday and made trips to just the local parks (Gemini Springs Park, Thornby Park and Mariner's Cove Park). Just a half of dozen species of warblers for the day.

Palm Warbler 'western', Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 23, 2026

Common Yellowthroat, Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 23, 2026

Northern Yellow Warbler, Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 23, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Blue Springs SP, Orange City, FL, Jan 23, 2026

Friday I stayed somewhat local (within a half hour drive) and started the morning before dawn at Lake Woodruff NWR where I had the continued Northern Yellow Warbler as well as lots of Common Yellowthroats, Palm Warblers and Yellow rumped Warblers. A few Common Yellowthroats were singing which they were not doing several days ago when I was there. We then took Wilson for a walk at Gemini Springs Park and then we headed off to Blue Springs Park. Overall the day produced eight species of warblers.

Northern Yellow Warbler, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, FL, Jan 24, 2026

Common Yellowthroat, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, FL, Jan 24, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Apopka Birding Park, Apopka, FL, Jan 24, 2026

Saturday found me heading southwest to Lake Apopka where I spent most of the morning. I drove the entire wildlife drive again plus birded before and after near the start of the drive at Apopka Birding Park. It was foggy to start the morning and windy at times (certainly windier than predicted). The number of warbler species was just four for the day but did include one of the Northern Yellow Warblers I have had at the location as well as large numbers of Common Yellowthroats and Palm Warblers. I attempted to find a reported Nashville Warbler in the area where the wildlife drive starts without any luck...again the wind was certainly a factor plus the area was busy with people.

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Audubon Park, Deltona, FL, Jan 25, 2026

To end out the final of the third week and what will likely be the warmest day for a week plus I stayed local with visits to Gemini Spring Park and Audubon Park. Once the fog burned off it warmed up quickly with highs in the mid 80's. I had a total of eight species of warblers with most early on when it was foggy so few photos for the day. The next week will be much colder if the forecast holds true.

This week was my most productive by far for overall diversity with 18 warbler species.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Swainson's Warbler today

Ovenbird, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Black throated Blue Warbler, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Northern Parula with leg band, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 21, 2026

I finally bit the bullet and made the long, two hour drive south to a small park in Vero Beach called Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail where a Swainson's Warbler was discovered by a great birder named Will about a week and a half ago. I almost went the day after it was reported but could not get everything to come together. I reached out to Will (who I first met on a prior trip to Florida) regarding details on the bird and he graciously provided them. He said he knew of only one other person who tried to relocate it (and failed). I knew it was a long shot but overwintering birds can certainly stick around if the habitat provides what it needs. I was out the door very early (prior to 5AM) and I arrived at the location a bit before 7AM and it was a bit breezy. I checked a few spots in the small park for other birds before settling in to look for this very skulky species. After about 45 minutes of looking and listening I had brief looks at it before it disappeared. As I waited for it to appear I had other warblers moving around including my first Black throated Blue Warbler for the year as well as a banded Northern Parula. I also had at least Ovenbird and about a half hour after initially seeing the Swainson's Warbler it flew in briefly to interact with the Ovenbird. Unfortunately no luck getting any photos. The tiny park produced eight species of warblers overall. Although I have seen Swainson's Warbler outside the US this was my first one I have had here. The Swainson's Warbler became the 50th warbler species that I have ever had in the US and became warbler species #28 for me in Florida.

Louisiana Waterthrush, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Northern Waterthrush, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Orange crowned Warbler, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

American Redstart, Fort Drum Conservation Area, Yeehaw Junction, FL, Jan 21, 2026

Since I was already very far south I decided to stop at another spot that Will had some great warblers recently. The spot was Fort Drum Conservation Area located in Yeehaw Junction (really!). Without having a day use permit I had to make the long walk into the most productive spots. The wind continued to be an issue and only got worse. Nonetheless there were still birds to be seen. I eventually made it down to a small lake (Horseshoe Lake) where a Louisiana Waterthrush was found by Will and the bird was still there and fairly cooperative eventually. I got some recordings, photos and video. As I was watching the waterthrush a small mixed flock was moving through and it included another rarity with a Magnolia Warbler (this bird was seen briefly and then never seen again). I continued walking various trails and came across a few mixed flock and the number of Black and White Warblers was impressive. I also added American Redstarts to my year list with at least three present. I had a dozen species of warbler (three new ones for the year) during my time at the conservation area before I started the long drive back home.

For the entire day I had a total of 16 species of warblers...my best day by far for the entire trip.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Warblers for the second week in Florida

Northern Parula, Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 12, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 12, 2026

Orange crowned Warbler, Ward Park, Orlando, FL, Jan 12, 2026

To start off the second week I headed down to a small city park in Orlando called Ward Park with the main goal being to track down a rare for area Western Tanager as well as some Summer Tanagers and I had success with both. Although the park was quite small it held a decent number of birds including a total of eight species of warblers.

Northern Yellow Warbler, Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 14, 2026

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Lake Woodruff NWR, De Leon Springs, FL, Jan 14, 2026

Tuesday I finally made a trip out to the coast with the goal to add new species for the year with the focus being shorebirds and gulls (and other coastal birds). Without a lot of time I headed to the closest coastal area available in the Ponce Inlet area instead of going further south to better birding locations (like Merritt Island NWR). Warblers were not a goal for the day and I only ended up with five species with only three of those on the coast.

Wednesday found me making a return trip up to Lake Woodruff NWR and among the four species of warbler there was an unusual for location Northern Yellow Warbler. I added a couple more species for the day at Scrub Oak Preserve so ended the day with half a dozen species.

Palm Warbler 'western', Hickory Bluff Preserve, Osteen, FL, Jan 15, 2026

Black and White Warbler, Hickory Bluff Preserve, Osteen, FL, Jan 15, 2026

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hickory Bluff Preserve, Osteen, FL, Jan 15, 2026

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Lake Monroe Conservation Area, Kratzert Tract, Osteen, FL, Jan 15, 2026

On Thursday headed out on a rainy morning and given the conditions I didn't travel too far. I decided to hit a number of places off to the southeast including D Ranch Preserve, Leon Bluff Boat Ramp, Hickory Bluff Preserve and Lake Monroe Conservation Area. Once the rain ended the wind picked up a bit and it was overall a cool day. It was another day with half a dozen species of warblers.

Northern Yellow Warbler, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, FL, Jan 16, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, FL, Jan 16, 2026

Common Yellowthroat, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, FL, Jan 16, 2026

Orange crowned Warbler, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, FL, Jan 16, 2026

This Friday found me once again headed over to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. The day started with record setting cold weather with a frosty low of 30 degrees. I didn't think I would need to break out the winter coat and hat again until I got back home! At least it was sunny with little wind so it really didn't feel terrible after the first couple hours. The most unusual warbler for the morning were two Northern Yellow Warblers in the same area I had them last week. The drive also contained high numbers of Common Yellowthroats and Palm Warblers.

Northern Parula, Shiloh Marsh Road, Merritt Island NWR, FL, Jan 17, 2026

Palm Warbler 'western', Shiloh Marsh Road, Merritt Island NWR, FL, Jan 17, 2026

Common Yellowthroat, Shiloh Marsh Road, Merritt Island NWR, FL, Jan 17, 2026

Orange crowned Warbler, Shiloh Marsh Road, Merritt Island NWR, FL, Jan 17, 2026

I had limited time on Saturday morning before I had to return to take care of Wilson as Sherri headed off to a conference and I decided to head out early with a trip to the coast to add some more shorebird species. I started off at New Smyrna Beach where I spent a little under two hours before heading south to the northern most sections of Merritt Island NWR. Again not a warbler centric morning so just a half a dozen species.

Palm Warbler 'western', Audubon Park, Deltona, FL, Jan 18, 2026

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Audubon Park, Deltona, FL, Jan 18, 2026

To end out the second week in Florida I stayed close to home as Wilson had a rough evening and was still not quite back to normal in the morning. Once I was sure he was okay I headed to a couple nearby areas before returning home to take him for an early (and long walk) before the latest cold front was forecast to arrive. Managed just five species of warblers for the morning.

For the entire second week I ended up with a dozen species of warblers.

The Pursuit of Warblers