Prothonotary Warbler Sings

• HAWK eats RAT! - *WARN... This is a Prothonotary Warbler an extremely rare bird in Ontario. The status of his warber is considered 'critically endangered', which means the species is facing imminent extinction or extirpation. The Prothonotary warbler was named after the legal clerks in the Roman Catholic Church, known as Prothonotaries, who wear a golden hood and blue cape.
This warbler is considered one of the most dazzling birds in North America due to its stunning color. Prothonotary warblers spend the winter in warm, tropical climate of Central and South America. The coastal mangroves forests they favor are one of the most endangered habitats in the world. Each spring they migrate north to breed. In 2005 there were an estimated 28 individuals in all of Ontario. Who knows how many there are now? I'm sure considerably less, or maybe none?
For many migratory birds, the uncontrolled growth of new skyscrapers clustered around the lake front, especially at the rivers mouth, has resulted in the loss of a safe flyway and of marshland habitat.
This warbler's nest was found in the hollow of a branch overhanging on the Humber river. For over a week I stalked this bird everyday. His piercing song could be heard from a great distance. This warbler had built and stocked his nest with an abundant stockpile of caterpillars and insects. There was no female about, nor could I see or hear any chicks in the nest, though he was constantly singing in the hope of attracting a mate. Alas, sadly, there was no females to hear his song. After 11 days he was gone. Recorded in June 2021.
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video: Stephen Smith
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mycompasstv ~ travel + arts + lifestyle

[@lorettasmith4745]

What a pure sweet call! Such a beautiful little yellow warbler. Thanks for sharing.

[@mycompasstv]

😀

[@ilonaktravels]

Absolutely precious!

[@mycompasstv]

He's a beauty!

[@anitacoogan4822]

Stunning bird, thanks for sharing the behavior and singing. This is one of the few warblers I have never seen pass thru Newark NJ. A Freind & I rescue songbirds (mostly Warblers) that hit the glass skyscrapers in Newark NJ during migration, TRT made a video named 'Window Strikes in the Business District' of us picking up injured Warblers. In Newark most songbirds that hit the glass skyscrapers perish on impact, or when they fall to the cement pavement. TRT nurses the injured, no matter how bad the injury or what type of bird they give 100%

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks Anita for your good work in rescuing the songbirds and for your comment. This is the first time I've seen a Prothonotary Warbler in Toronto. Sadly, it will perhaps be the last time. Our ancient migratory flyway until recently was free from tall buildings, but has now it's been compromised by growing and unstoppable condo development.

[@anitacoogan4822]

@@mycompasstv Thanks for sharing as doubtful I will ever see one. I only see birds because they hit in Newark - sad circumstance. Newark NJ is on the Atlantic Flyway and every year more Glass Buildings (cheap to build) . Woodcocks last 2 weeks passing thru and see many expired and some injured, they used this flyway before the city was here so continue to pass thru. Recovery rate of Woodcock not good, even though TRT tube feeds them many are blinded or brain damaged.

[@mycompasstv]

@@anitacoogan4822 You are right, big, glass buildings is the common foe of all birds. Thank you for sharing your experiences too, and keep up the great work saving the birds.

[@ilonaktravels]

It's heartbreaking to hear of the songbird decline due to so much light pollution and the uncontrollable growth of urban skyscrapers. Your efforts are acknowledged and supported. Thanks to all for saving habitats, documenting the decline, and protecting the dwindling population.

[@canonicus1]

Beautiful bird!

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks for commenting.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Thank you for sharing/posting this video clip with us.

[@mycompasstv]

Cheers Ivan.

[@wingedpegasus1]

Incredible images of an incredible bird. Congrats on great work!

[@mycompasstv]

Thank you Ian!

[@MathiasJamesCordina]

Amazing footage!

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks Mathias!

[@lisacavenderofficial]

Gorgeous! Amazing footage!

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks Lisa!

[@kitty66ish]

Sweet song of spring! .. so handsome, and proud to be showing off that wiggly grub to his mate! Did he ever find her?? #Springlove😀

[@mycompasstv]

That was a green caterpillar. Nope, sadly his sweet song went unanswered. He never found a female.

[@Danielandthebirds]

Great video! Enjoyed chatting with you today! :)

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks Daniel, the pleasure was mine.

[@khodabandehloo]

Love it :-)

[@mycompasstv]

Thanks for commenting Majid. Best.