Prothonotary Warbler

July 3, 2009. 7 am found us at Webberville Park, 135 acres of Blackland Prairie habitat along the Colorado river. After resolving a minor gate access issue, we were off in search of birds.

We decided to follow the tree line towards the boat ramp, where several Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes were erected. The dry grass made loud crunching noises under our feet as we walked. The air was still and humid, and a curious odor of dog food seemed to permeate the air. Since there were no dogs or dog food around, I assured myself it was only my imagination.

We reached the boat ramp area and immediately heard the Prothonotary Warbler's song. Anxious to see the bird, we hiked down towards nest box #1. Silent waiting, listening. Suddenly a Prothonotary Warbler appeared before us, perching on a small branch about 10 feet away. It enjoyed the branch and attached spider web for what must have been 10 minutes before finally gliding off towards the river.

Later, amid pecan trees and playgrounds, we discovered several Eastern Bluebirds, including an inhabited nest cavity.

After two hours of walking we decided to lounge on one of several available concrete picnic tables, where we spotted a Summer Tanager, Eastern Kingbirds, and several other birds. Here is the complete list of those seen or heard:

Black-bellied Whistling Duck

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Killdeer

White-winged Dove

Mourning Dove

Inca Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Chimney Swift

Hummingbird Species

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

White-eyed Vireo

Warbling Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Purple Martin

Barn Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Black-crested Titmouse

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

Northern Mockingbird

Prothonotary Warbler

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Painted Bunting

Common Grackle

Great-tailed Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird