I was lucky enough to blunder into a skulking Prothonotary Warbler at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery today while birding with Frank Meyer; please excuse the horrible photos but PROWAR is a damn rare bird here in California, particularly in spring.
While superficially similar to Yellow Warbler in these photos (it's not a particularly bright male...first year bird?), the long, pointed bill and sharply contrasting blue-gray wings set it apart...unfortunately, I was unable to get a clear shot showing the white undertail coverts. Several of us were lucky enough to get some much better views, albeit briefly....it was a sneaky little bastard.
You can see the blue-gray wings through the veg a bit better in this one. Stoked.
I read about this earlier on the SD birding list, great bird!
ReplyDeleteI was just talking about seeing one yesterday....the bird gods have answered my nerd prayers.
Deletewow. That is a FREAKY sighting. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks Babbler! I've still got the shakes.
DeleteNice work Seagull! Those pics may be a bit blurry, but I dig all the stuff in the background. It reminds me of that Jim Hensen Dark Crystal movie, which I am going to assume you've seen more than once, because if you hadn't, well...then you'd be an anomaly.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on that exquisite bird.
Exquisitely uncooperative! It really did not like being seen. Thanks all the same.
DeleteA most excellent find!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mia. Someone caught a glimpse of it before I got there, but I had no idea when I came across it...I wish I could have managed something better than head shots though.
DeleteHow 'bout a 2nd year male since it's....2012 and it was born in 2011, maybe...judging by your description. Good work Tucker-fucker!
ReplyDeleteLovely post and great images. I have no photos of a prothonotary warbler yet.
ReplyDelete