Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Prothonotary Warbler was discovered and photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 24 September 2009 at the Gilbert Water Ranch in the camping area overlooking Pond 2 along the path between Ponds 1 and 2. 

Prothonotary Warbler is a rare transient throughout Arizona, but occurs annually.  The Gilbert Water Ranch seems particularly attractive to this species as this is the third record in the last two years. 

Yellow face extending down to breast with big dark black eye, blueish wings, white undertail coverts

24 September 2009, photo by Tommy DeBardeleben