The Prothonotary Warblers have returned to my area. Often you hear them before seeing them, even with this brilliant yellow.

These images were taken at Beidler Forest which has many of the features these warblers like: tree cavities for nesting, damp forest floor, dense undergrowth and both standing and slow moving water.

As I was leaving for the day one final Prothonotary Warbler crossed my path and perched on an open, if dimly lit, branch for a few moments.

Goodness Ellen, you managed to get gorgeous photos of this lovely bird! Reminds me of our native mohua, yellowhead or “bush canary”. I see that our local Blue Mountains is one of the pockets where our mohua can be found.. perhaps we’ll see one. http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/yellowhead
Thanks, Liz, they really are quite attractive. As is your Yellowhead! What fun it would be to see that—you may have to schedule a trip in the spring.
Wonderful sighting, great shots!
Thanks, Donna. I was happy to see them even if it was so dark. I saw some last year at the swamp we go to but so far this year haven’t even heard them there.
Such beautiful birds. Terrific shots, Ellen. I was thrilled to see one just once at Magnolia and managed one shot before he flew.
They are, Jane, and thank you! I saw them last year at Magnolia but so far this year haven’t even heard one. They are still working on the dredging and changing water flow there which has affected a number of the birds.