Laura Erickson's For the Birds

Despite its name, appearance, and behavior, this splendid singer is a true wood warbler. It bobs its tail like a Spotted Sandpiper as it walks on the ground in wet swamps. My backyard is not acceptable habitat for breeding, but one appears here for a few days virtually every spring and fall during migration, giving me a splendid opportunity to hear the strong, cheerful song before I get out to more appropriate areas.

Despite being territorial during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons, on their wintering grounds Northern Waterthrushes often roost communally at night, sometimes among groups of Gray Kingbirds. These roosts may be more than a mile from their daytime feeding areas.