Prothonotary Warbler Golden Beauty!

                                                                    male 

                                                                   female

 Prothonotary Warbler, a golden treasure in the greenery! Being more heard than seen now across a river from conservation land in Concord, MA. It is considered uncommon here because its breeding range is a bit south and across much of the country's eastern half. These photos were taken on Sanibel Island during migration. Prothonotary Warblers breed in cavities in standing dead trees along rivers and in forested wetlands. I remember once canoeing along a small swampy river in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and seeing multiple Prothonotary Warblers, like luminary candles along the edges, lighting our way.

Prothonotary Warblers have declining populations and are on the Partners in Flight Yellow Watch list. They are vulnerable to loss of forested wetlands on their breeding grounds and loss of mangroves on their wintering grounds.