I have spotted Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) repeatedly this spring, but, despite my best efforts, have not been able to get a close-up shot of one. They seem to like to perch in the middle of a particular field at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and seem to taunt me from a distance with their sweet songs.
I love the distinctive black Lone Ranger-style mask of the male Common Yellowthroat that contrasts wonderfully with sunny hues of its eponymous throat. Even though I recently couldn’t get close to this yellowthroat, I managed to capture this image that has a painterly feel to it.
I’ll still be trying for a close-up of this species, but for now I am quite content with this environmental portrait of this beautiful bird.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Another new bird for me. Imagine my surprise to find that Cornell lists it as present in our area year-round. Now that I know it exists, and have seen how lovely it is, I’ll have to watch for it.
Benjamin is intrigued by the black mask on the aptly named Yellowthroat. He said : “I love his fluffy yellow feathers, but what is the brown in the middle?” I told him that I’m not sure and he said : “Mr. Mike will know.” Thank-you, Mr. Mike!! P.S. Benjamin also said : “The muddy turtle is awesome!”
Benjamin sure has sharp eyes. I honestly don’t know what that brown stripe in the middle. Could it be dirt? I’ve looked at some other images of the Common Yellowthroat and none of them seem to have that marking.
A lovely image, Mike, of the bird and that soft green background.
That’s a great looking bird and nice shot!
Lovely! Painterly, indeed
Beautiful composition, Mike.
Nice image Mike.