It’s always nice to catch a glimpse of a northern parula (Setophaga americana) because of their vibrant, contrasting colors. The yellows, blues, and greens just all work so well together. These little birds aren’t always easy to spot though. They are very active and usually live in the tree canopies where they hunt the insects they live on. That’s why I was surprised and pleased when this one came down and perched on an open branch for a few seconds. I had actually been photographing a tufted titmouse on that branch seconds earlier, which created even more of a surprise. When I turned my head just a couple of inches, there was the parula! It didn’t last long, but I was thrilled to get a few shots of this gorgeous bird in the open.