I had the incredible opportunity to capture a remarkable moment of nature during my wildlife photography session at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. As I was documenting the Prothonotary Warbler building its nest in a tree cavity (Prothonotary Warbler Building Nest), I noticed it flew near my pickup with something in its beak.
To my amazement, the little bird perched on a nearby limb and waited a few seconds before devouring its prey – a spider. It was fascinating to witness the Prothonotary Warbler’s eating habits up close.
Prothonotary Warbler With Spider
Prothonotary Warblers are known for their insectivorous diet and are often found foraging along the water’s edge or in the dense forest understory. They feed on a variety of insects, including beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, which are a vital source of protein for these birds.
Interestingly, Prothonotary Warblers are also known to consume snails, a somewhat unusual food choice for songbirds. They use their sharp bills to break through the snail’s shell and extract the soft flesh inside.
Observing the Prothonotary Warbler’s eating habits was a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural habitats. By protecting our forests and wetlands, we can ensure that these unique and fascinating creatures continue to thrive in the wild.
I was using a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera with a Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM lens. I had this setup resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.
Taken on April 28, 2020, at 07:50 A.M.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture f5.6
- ISO: 2000
- Shutter speed: 1/500 sec.
- Exposure Compensation: +4/3Â
- Focal Length – 500 mm
Here is a Photo of a Prothonotary Warbler I photographed in a different area of this refuge: Prothonotary Warbler Are Tolerant Of Humans