In the middle of the Canadian Rockies, we don’t see as many birds as other places across the country. But I, as others, make the most of what we come across. One of the birds I look forward to seeing each year is the warbler called the American Redstart. The redstart is not a bird that likes to stay in one place. Constant movement in search for food and at times flashing its tail to scurry the insects, so it can catch them in the air. Both the male and the female are beautiful looking birds. The female colours are more conservative, to blend in with the surroundings when sitting on the nest. The male comes with wonderful striking Halloween colours. The adult males have a beautiful call, perhaps only being out done by the yearling males. On occasion the yearling’s marathon-like singing effort pays off by attracting a mate. The chances improve once they have their full adult colours for the following mating season. Our chances are good to see the American Redstarts across the country, as around eighty percent of the population tend to nest in Canada.
