To my delight, a beautiful male Prothonotary Warbler was here yesterday, foraging until early afternoon. I have had females a few times, but today was my first chance to photograph this male warbler. My first look at him was in an elm.

Prothonotary Warbler

He started there in the swampy thicket, in every small tree and shrub, looking for food. He investigated this curled leaf of the Blackhaw right next to the bubbler.

Prothonotary Warbler

In with his beak he went.

Prothonotary Warbler

And he found a yummy caterpillar. This magical moment sums up 18 years of preparation! Our removal of the invasive bush honeysuckle allowed this little Blackhaw to come up. All of the native plants I've put in around it helped this warbler to feel right at home, where he found more food. Because they've evolved together, native plants provide the best food for birds, namely moth and butterfly caterpillars! They need this valuable protein.

Prothonotary Warbler

What a little acrobat! He continued to forage until mid-afternoon with a quick stop at the bubbler to be Bubbler Bird #113 (+1 hybrid).

Prothonotary Warbler