Cape May Warbler – stayed for several weeks

I have reported the rare migrant Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) several times over the years. Today’s individual is the second of the season, or perhaps the same male, now in full breeding plumage. This morning it stayed in my driveway güitite tree for several minutes, affording clear views of the dark head, rufous and yellow face, heavy streaks on yellow below, and a white wing bar. My attempts at getting a photo were unsuccessful on the first occasions, but the bird eventually stayed for several weeks, and I am very grateful to friend Roman Augustyn http://owlmountain.aminus3.com/ for finally capturing a nice shot of this bird.  All other previous birds of this species that I have noted here in San Antonio have been immatures or females, so it was really a treat for me to see a male in full breeding plumage for the first time.

Last night was adorned with a full moon and a completely clear sky. Perhaps this helped to bring today’s wave of warblers, composed mostly of Tennessee Warblers (Oreothlypis peregrina). Here’s one, a breeding male, I believe, in a lilac-coloured vine opposite the front gate.

As a footnote, the male Cape May Warbler is still here on April 27, 2015.