Protonotary large

	Prothonotary Warbler The Prothonotary Warbler or Golden Swamp Warbler inhabits the lowland forest and swamp areas on our property near the Tchefunte River. Here in the south, they usually raise 2 broods each breeding season. By late July and mid-August, adults and juveniles begin to travel south to wintering grounds in Central and South America and the West Indies.

	This Prothonotary Warbler raised 3 young in this little wren box and a second brood had hatched when Tropical Storm Bill blew over a large oak tree which just missed the box. The heavy rains that followed and the dripping leaves soaked the nest and the 2nd brood did not survive.

	This size and style nest box is a much better choice. These birds will nest in standard Bluebird and Chickadee boxes, but have also used a butterfly shelter, cinder blocks, ornamental birdhouses as well as natural cavities.

	This young warbler was very curious. It and its siblings spent a lot of time exploring the trees and shrubs near the house.

	Another favorite spot of adults and immatures, alike, is the hummingbird feeder. We have observed individuals going into one of the hummingbird banding traps to use the feeder that was inside.