Pic of the Day

Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea; Magee Marsh, Ohio

     One of the first birds I saw when I arrived at Magee Marsh last week was a male Prothonotary Warbler.  This bright yellow swamp bird winters from Venezuela, and Columbia, then north to the Gulf Coast from Texas to Louisiana.  Come early May, the Prothonotary heads north as far as Southern Ontario.  Once the Prothonotary reaches it nesting grounds it looks for any cavity low to the ground to build a nest.  

     In Arkansas, I have found Prothonotary Warblers nesting behind loose bark in dead trees, and hollow cypress knees just a few feet above the water.  This particular bird may stay at Magee Marsh to set-up housekeeping, or fly on to Ontario, the southern limit of the Prothonotary’s range. 

Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm f2.8, 1/250 second @ f7.1