In 2005, a male Prothonotary Warbler was discovered in Ontario by his band. This vibrant bird had been banded in the same area in 1999 and was at least 8 years and 1 month old.

 Just last night, I caught sight of a male Prothonotary Warbler, accompanied by a female. Though I tried, I couldn't capture the female.

Prothonotary Warblers are most commonly found in the Southeast, where they inhabit swamps and bottomland forests. However, they are also known to be found in forests along rivers, like the Mississippi, reaching as far north as Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

 When searching for these bright yellow birds, head towards water sources and look for them in the understory. They tend to stay low in the forest and often forage above water and along shorelines. Their loud ringing song can help guide you to them, even before you spot them. The best time to look for them in the US is from April to July.

The Prothonotary Warbler's name is derived from the bright yellow robes worn by papal clerks known as prothonotaries in the Roman Catholic church. This magnificent bird is unique among warblers with its beady black eye and blue-gray wings. It is also one of only two warblers that build nests in holes in standing dead trees. In the Southeast, it is often referred to as the "swamp warbler," but it can also be found surprisingly far north along rivers

. Unfortunately, its population is declining due to the loss of forested wetlands in the US and mangroves on its wintering grounds.

Jeff took some stunning pictures of the Prothonotary Warbler in my backyard using a Canon SX70HS.