There is always something new to track down out there. This time of year it might be a Prothonatary Warbler. They winter in the West Indies, Central America and northern South America. They migrate to swamps for breeding.
Not just any swamps either. Hardwood swamps, and especially ones with Cypress and Tupelo trees. The knees (upward growing roots) hollow out and these warblers love them.
Above is a Prothonatary, female, standing in the entrance to a Cypress knee.
These swamps are dark, wet, and filled with things that bite.
The males are a vivid yellow, but I never did see one today.
This swamp is the home of the Francis Beidler Forest, a 16,000-acre (65 km2) nature preserve of virgin cypress and tupelo forest owned and operated by the Audubon Society. Some of the trees are over 1000 years in age, and the forest is the home of a number of rare or endangered species.
Note; my gear is made for speed and distance, not shooting in the dark. This swamp is darker than most, the images are not good quality but do show an interesting subject. It’s all about the story.
Lovely
This bird is beautiful! We don’t have where I live Prothonatary warblers.
East and Southwest bird. This is a female, the males are a bright yellow. Hard to find since they prefer swamps and deep woods.