Yellow-rumped Warbler and Sumac

With the frost and the shortening days of September come the flocks of migrants. Many species are drastically different in plumage from their bright spring garb. But of all birds, the most confusing transformation takes place in the warblers.

The yellow-rumped warbler, which was formerly known as the Myrtle warbler, is usually the first to move north in the spring. The bright lemon rump and shoulder patches show clearly as it flits among the twigs whose buds have yet to burst. However, in autumn, even the most experienced birders are forced to turn to the "Confusing Fall Warblers" page of their Peterson field guide. The connoisseur of subtlety may even prefer the fall plumage.

In this painting I decided to let the bird subject be subservient to the rich foliage. Woodland and meadow come together with this flaming white ash and mellow goldenrod.