In search of yellow birds, with bald eagles as a bonus

For weeks, I’ve been hearing yellow warblers on my birding jaunts but until this morning I hadn’t seen one. For days, I’ve been seeing reports of a prothonotary warbler nearby, and I hoped I might spot it today on my first attempt.

I went to the Dyson Tract along the Delaware and Raritan Canal with the prothonotary as my target. As soon as I stepped out of my car, Merlin picked up the bird’s wispy song. Gazing out into the swamp, I checked every tree within sight. But the warbler, which I kept hearing as I walked the permiter of the swamp, eluded me.

Birds abounded on my walk, and I logged 29 species on e-Bird. I headed south along the canal towpath, farther than I usually go, and was rewarded with the site of two mature bald eagles in a tree. One flew off after I’d taken a few photos, and the second stuck around for a good while.

After taking several shots of the remaining eagle, I headed back toward my car, hoping my second pass by the swamp would turn up the prothonotary warbler.

It never did show, although a yellow warbler came by and landed on a tree just off the towpath. I was glad finally to get a clear shot at one, who tops this post.

I also got some nice looks at a Northern house wren that perched high up on a barren tree. Although I see house wrens routinely in my yard, it was fun to see this one in the swamp, warmed and well lit by the sun. 🦅