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IN THIS ISSUE:

• New At The Nest
• Current Clearance Items
• Bird Profile: Warblers
• The BestNest.com Giveaway Winner is ...
• Free Merchandise to be Awarded Every Issue

more info	Audubon Cedar Bat Shelter, 20 bats AUD-NABAT Now: $34.95	more info	Audubon Coppertop Gazebo Bird Feeder AUD-NACOPGAZEBO Now: $199.95	more info	Cal Pump Floating Pond Vent EggLite Kit, 10 Watt CAP-LPH-10W Reg: $99.99 Sale: $79.95
more info	Cal Pump Indoor/Outdoor Power Control Center CAP-PC50 Now: $114.95	more info	Cal Pump Large Pond Skimmer CAP-SK2 Now: $139.95	more info	Cal Pump Direct Drive Torpedo Pump, 4000 gph CAP-T4000 Now: $143.95
more info	Mark Feldstein Dragonfly Rain Gauge MFA-4484DF Now: $14.95	more info	Savio Livingponds Biological Waterfall Filter SAV-F100 Now: $309.95	more info	Woodlink Mini-Magnum Sunflower Feeder WDL-MINIMAG1 Now: $9.95

Prized by avid birders for their colorful plumage and active nature, Warblers are becoming a popular sight in backyards everywhere. What makes warblers so special? Let's take a look:

There are 51 species of warblers that can be seen in North America, with many areas having 10 or more common species. Warblers are characterized by their small size, wide range of colorful plumage, and quick movements. Novice bird watchers may find that warblers are some of the more difficult birds to observe because of their highly active behavior. They are often seen flitting in and out of the cover of trees and shrubs, only allowing for quick glimpses of their color and patterns.

Most warblers are small in size, approximately 4.5 to 5.5 inches. They have a slim shape and small, pointed bills that are designed for catching insects. As mentioned before, they are very colorful. Yellow, orange, and red are common colors, along with green and gray. Black streaks and white wingbars are also common. Their color combinations are often unmistakable, so identification is often easier if one stops to feed or rest. Plumage color often varies greatly depending the time of year, sex, and age of the warbler. In general, females tend to be paler than males and immature birds of either sex are paler than full adults.

Warblers build their own nests, and will not use man-made housing. You can often find their nests in shrubs and the lower branches of trees. Nests are usually built using bark, weeds, grasses, and cobwebs.

Insects and spiders are the primary food sources for warblers; however, when insects and spiders are not plentiful warblers will eat berries, seeds, and suet. Most warblers migrate to Central and South America during the winter months, though a few species will stay in an area year round. Species likely to stay include the Pine, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, and Common Yellowthroat. They are usually found in the southern states and along the East Coast. There is a variety of suet available that is perfect for attracting warblers to your backyard. Suet containing berries or insect parts is particularly attractive to warblers. You can also add a feeder with black oil sunflower seed. Fresh water is also important during the winter months, so consider the use of a heated birdbath if water freezes in your area. An added bonus for attracting warblers is a reduction in the insect population. Gardeners will appreciate their appetite for insects that are harmful to their plants.

If you are interested in attracting warblers, we offer a larger variety of suet, suet feeders, and seed feeders at www.bestnest.com. If you would like more personal assistance, please email us at [email protected] or call 877-369-5446.

more info	Audubon Large Ranch Bird Feeder & Suet Cages AUD-NALARGES Now: $29.95	more info	Black Oil Sunflower Seed, 5 lbs BN-BOS-05 Now: $2.95	more info	Pine Tree Farms Fruit, Berry, & Nut Suet Cake, 12 oz. PTF-1202 Now: $1.95
more info	Pine Tree Farms Insect Suet Cake, 12 oz. PTF-1470 Now: $2.95	more info	Rubicon Suet Feeder with Tail Prop, Hunter Green & Driftwood RUB-SF100HD Now: $17.95	more info	Stokes Double Suet Feeder STK-38070 Now: $15.49