The fig tree in the garden

Townsend Warbler on a Mission fig tree branch

As the fig tree has been producing figs for the past 2 months, it also is attracting all kinds of birds who are enjoying the sweet and juicy fruit. I observed the Townsend Warbler, shown above, for the first time ever last weekend. I was struck by its vibrant yellow color with very distinguished black markings on both wings and body.

Imagine my surprise to see it again today in the fig tree foliage.

Home for this bird is the Pacific Northwest, so it probably is migrating down to Mexico for the winter. I was very lucky to have had my camera with me to get this image of the bird.

About twenty minutes later when I was walking in the driveway I spotted an Acorn Woodpecker pecking into a fig and eating. Acorn woodpeckers also eat fruit, and the one I saw definitely was enjoying the fig. Alas, I didn't have the camera with me so I didn't get a photo of the woodpecker.

Chestnut back chickadees, such as the one above, also are often in the fig tree.

The tree provides welcome shade and coolness in hot summer and early autumn weather.