July 31, 2026

A male American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla).

And a female American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla).

They’re only here for the breeding season, and some head south as early as August. Migrating to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. While they’re here, I often see them at the birdbath, just outside my dining room window. Making their little chip song, I know when they’re out there.

Their diet is mainly insects during the breeding season, things such as caterpillars, moths and flies. They’re talented little flying insect catchers, catching them in midair or grasping them off leaves. In late summer they add a few berries to their diet, berries like serviceberries and magnolia seeds.

If they decide to begin their migration in August, I sure hope that it’s late August. I enjoy having them here.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!