I saw my first Townsend’s Warbler soon after I was hooked on birding at my home in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Feb 2005. It was nice to return to Santa Cruz on a trip in Sep 2025 and at the Lighthouse Field I found this Townsend’s Warbler. Most warblers are hard to photograph since they are constantly on the move but this one sat still for me to get a number of great poses.
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi) - Lighthouse Field SB, SCZ (CA)
EQ: Nikon D850, Nikkor 500mm f/4.0, with 1.4 TC, Taken: 9-20-2025 at 14:30
Settings: 700mm (35mm eqv), 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO1800, +1 EV, Conditions: foggy shade
The Townsend's Warbler is a small songbird native to the western parts of North America and winters along the Pacific Coast. They do migrate through my home in the Reno area and I see one once or twice a year during migration. It yellow and black plumage, streaked chest, and a bold black mask across its face makes it easy to identify. It typically inhabits coniferous forests, where it forages actively among trees and shrubs for insects and spiders.
The buzzy songs of Townsend’s Warblers can be heard during the spring and summer during the breeding season and is similar to the Hermit Warbler.
Sometimes a female will start a nest in one tree, then move all the materials to finish the nest in another tree. The oldest was a male that was recorded to be at least 10 years old and was recapture and released in California.
Your comments are welcomed and if you have any questions about these photos or any other leave me a message.