Jackson Audubon Prothonotary Warbler Research Project
Jackson Audubon Society
Jackson Audubon’s continuing Prothonotary Warbler Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024. The project goal is enhanced reproduction for a neotropical migratory bird of conservation concern, that has undergone a 40% population decline since the 1960’s. Prothonotaries, or PROW, their ornithological species code, gravitate to swampy forests, a habitat always in jeopardy. Originally established by JAS volunteers as a Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Trail, about 25 boxes have been continuously maintained at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (LBSP) since 2000. These nest boxes are designed specifically with PROW in mind. Their nestboxes are similar to bluebird boxes, with 1.25-inch entrance holes that keep out most competing birds except Carolina Wrens.
In 2019-2021, this PROW project evolved into a scientific study of breeding success that documented weekly the nest building, number of eggs laid, and number of chicks hatched and fledged for each of 15 study boxes. These boxes provide additional opportunities for these cavity nesters who are otherwise limited to natural cavities in trees. We have demonstrated in a paper published in the “The Mississippi Kite,” the publication of the Mississippi Ornithological Society, that our project successfully fledges many young PROWs.
The PROW team, dedicated JAS volunteers, is also responsible for nest boxes at Fannye Cook Natural Area and Pearl River Wildlife Management Area at Hurricane Lake. Additional “conservation boxes” at LBSP are inspected occasionally and maintained annually. The team maintains all boxes by removing old nests and replacing or repairing any boxes lost or damaged by falling tree limbs, or in floods. The project makes a significant contribution to the survival of these beautiful birds. We always welcome new volunteers. Please direct any questions/inquiries to Charles Pfeifer at email: cptragopan@aol.com
VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
At least twice every year, JAS performs maintenance and repair of the PROW nest box trails at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, Fannye Cook Natural Area, and Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist in these work details are encouraged to contact us through the JAS email address: information@jacksonaudubonsoeicty.org. Additionally, JAS has periodically sponsored special PROW nesting box monitoring projects where volunteers are needed.
Resources:
Pfeifer, Charles. 2022. A Passion for Prothonotaries. Birdwatching Magazine, June 2022, pp. 16-23.
See: The Birdwatching Magazine Article Here
Pfeifer, C., E. I. Johnson, W. Mitchell, R. Partridge, L. Partridge, D. Watson. 2022. High Prothonotary Warbler Nest Success in Artificial Boxes at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.
The Mississippi Kite 52(Dec):21-32
