She excitedly and carefully pronounced the five-syllable word as she told me of seeing this beautiful warbler in her backyard. I was just as excited to see and hear a young girl tell about a special treat in seeing this tiny bundle of God's creation. Like most warblers coming through this time of year the prothonotary is headed for some other residence already programmed into his tiny brain. Some do stay from time to time, but most follow that guidance system to their summer homes across the country.
What does he look like? (I say he because the more brilliant colors are usually in the males) National Geographic Complete Book of Birds, which is a wonderful study reference,
describes him this way: "Bright golden yellow head, underparts. Beady black eye. Long black
bill. Greenish back.Bluish grey wings,tail.White undertail coverts. White tail spots."
The prothonotary is nicknamed "Golden Swamp Warbler" for that is his preference in places to live. He likes wet, shady places. He is one of only two warblers who nest in a cavity. Keep your eyes open and ears alert and you may see this beautiful little bird. His call is "sweet sweet sweet sweet sweet" or "tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet." Since I am hearing challenged (mostly deaf) I have to be more alert with my eyes. Thank the Lord they are still holding out. I quote again a favorite scripture, though out of context just a bit, "Look at the birds of the air..." Matthew 6:26. There may be a prothonotary out there just for you! Look at the birds!