We arrived at Monominto Rd. early on a drizzly morning.
I was sent to spy on a couple of Golden-winged Warblers who had chipped at Laurel before. I had to bushwack my way there between vegetation dripping with raindrops. I arrived at the location and walked around a bit.

And then it happened – I got chipped at by a Warbler. Other birds came to check out the source of commotion too. I hid and watched. The Warbler hopped between trees and finally dropped to the ground at the base of a bush. Ah-ha! I approached the spot, and when I got too close the warbler flashed. I looked and looked for the nest, and couldn’t find it.
In the meantime the warbler kept chipping at me.

Ok, can’t keep a Warbler too long off her nest. and get chipped at. So I went into hiding again. I didn’t have to hide for a long before the lady warbler dropped down to the ground again at the same location. I waited five minutes to give her some time to warm her eggs. Then I approached again, step by step, looking carefully so that if she flashed I could see exactly where she came from. She didn’t flash. Eventually I was crouched near the spot where she dropped to the ground… And I found myself looking into the warbler’s eyes. A small bird with a well hidden nest. I didn’t want to disturb her any further so I tied a pink band to the bush and left. Later I went there with Laurel to show her the nest. Laurel poked the warbler gently and – five 1 day old nestlings, cute as buttons!!

Golden-winged Warbler

A banded male Golden-winged Warbler

This Spring I’m searching Golden-winged Warbler nests in South-East Manitoba. In the mornings we search for nests, and at the end of the day we search for ticks on our clothes, skin and hair.
I came to know by sight and sound 40 new species for the price of 100 mosquito bites.
Manitoba has some marvelous birds, and I’ll miss them.