This talk covers the 36 species of warblers that have been reported from Plum Island. Four species are known to breed here, a few others may breed occasionally, while, except for one vagrant, the others are migrants who pass through on their migrations to and or from their breeding areas. The talk mentions the relative abundance of the species and their annual cycles of occurrence. A minute or two is devoted to each species, with photographs of most species and recordings of some of their songs. Tips on identification and where to look for these birds are included. Some are furtive denizens of the low thickets, while others are birds of the high canopies. Most have distinctive songs and calls that are frequently the best way to find and identify them. The warblers are among the most beautiful of Plum Island’s birds, with the plumages of the spring males often breathtaking.

Tom Wetmore has been a regular birder on Plum Island for the past 37 years. He is retired from the software and communications businesses and spends most early mornings on the refuge. He is among a small group of birders who has seen all 36 species of warblers mentioned in the talk.

Spaces in the refuge’s 85-seat auditorium will be filled on a first come, first served basis. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Parker River NWR. NO preregistration for this program.