DINGMANS FERRY, PA — Warblers are small, colorful songbirds known for their bright plumage and complex songs. Between 35 and 40 species of warblers travel through or breed in Pennsylvania each year, and mid-May marks the peak of spring warbler migration in our region.

Warblers primarily feed on insects and larvae, so they aren’t likely to be found at backyard bird feeders. Instead, keep an eye out for quick flashes of color and movement in trees and shrubs. Some of the best viewing opportunities are often found along forest edges where a road, trail or clearing meets the woods. Sunny, warm patches tend to attract more insect activity, creating ideal foraging conditions for warblers.

A variety of warblers can often be heard and seen, including the yellow warbler, the black-and-white warbler and the northern parula in the forests surrounding the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). PEEC’s forests also provide habitat for less common species, including the golden-winged warbler and the Blackburnian warbler—both classified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to habitat loss and declining populations—as well as the endangered blackpoll warbler.

During a recent Birding Basics event, PEEC instructors, our @RemakeLearningDays Ambassador@hillygoose023, and program attendees hiked the Two Ponds Trail in search of birds. The final tally was nearly 40 species spotted or heard, including 11 different species of warblers.

Beginning in late July and peaking in September, warblers will return south, providing another excellent birding opportunity. If you missed the May Birding Basics program, mark your calendar for September 19 for PEEC’s next birdwatching event.]This past weekend alone, an estimated 6.1 million birds flew over Pike County during their nighttime migration journeys. Because many migratory birds travel at night, turning off exterior lights on homes and office buildings can help prevent disorientation and allow birds to continue their journeys safely.