YELLOW WARBLER: The Wholeness of Self

One of the most common of the Wood-warblers, Yellow Warbler is easily noticed in his bright yellow feathers. Known as the “Wild Canary”, He is famous for his cheerful call of “sweet, sweet, sweet”. Until nesting season ends, Yellow Warbler’s ringing song can be heard throughout the riversides.

The name “Yellow Warbler” refers to a sub-species complex that numbers between thirty five and forty-three Birds. Together, They make up Dendroica petechia. This comples is usually divided into three sub-groups. The one that most people see is the aestiva group, which is referred to as “Yellow Warbler”. The petechia group, which is known as “Golden Warbler”, lives in the mangrove swamps of the West Indies. “Mangrove Warbler” (the erithachorides group) inhabits the mangrove swamps of Middle and South America.

No matter where They live, all these Yellow Warblers have similar lives. Building a cup nest, Female Yellow Warbler uses fine grass, cobwebs, and down from plants. If a larger Cowbird should lay their eggs in the Warbler’s nest, She will rebuild her nest on top of theirs. During breeding season, Female Yellow Warbler will sneak back and forth, to steal nesting materials from the other Warblers. Meanwhile, her Mate, Male Yellow Warbler sneaks off to court other Females.

These “Wild Canaries” bring joy and fun into people’s lives. People enjoy listening to Yellow Warblers as They sing their songs. Watching these Birds dart about eating Gypsy Moths and Caterpillars can be entertaining as well.

The wholeness of self is embodied in Yellow Warblers. Their aspect of light is the joy They bring to us. Their shadow self is how They sneak off like thieves to steal from others. We accept Yellow Warblers in their entirety, both their good and bad. “Embrace all of you,” urge these Wild Canaries, “and become whole”. Do not deny either part of yourself.