We witnessed a truly captivating moment during my recent Songbirds of Pelee workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. A Tennessee Warbler, its bill dusted with yellow pollen, was busily foraging for nectar on an Eastern Prickly Gooseberry. It put on quite a show!

A prickly gooseberry patch is an excellent spot to pause and observe birds if the park is quiet. While warblers primarily eat insects, they often supplement their diet with nectar, especially when insects are scarce or during migration. Nectar offers a readily available source of energy, which is incredibly beneficial for birds with high metabolisms, like warblers that have just expended a tremendous amount of energy migrating across Lake Erie.

Interestingly, some warblers, such as the Cape May Warbler, have specialized tongues designed for sipping nectar, highlighting a natural adaptation to this food source. It's a reminder that the natural world is full of amazing adaptations and unexpected sights!