On February 19, 2026 Audubon South Carolina announced the passage of South Carolina Senate Bill 383 — the “Prothonotary Warbler Recognition Act” — which designates the brilliant yellow, swamp-dwelling songbird as South Carolina’s official migratory bird. The legislation passed the South Carolina House unanimously, as it did in the Senate last year, was signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster on February 27, 2026.
A very compelling argument was made from the Senate Floor by Jack, a young but dedicated boy scout. Check out his video on the Audubon Facebook page.
The study and conservation of the Prothonotary Warbler has been a long standing focus for Audubon primarily lead by Matt Johnson and a team of ornithologists in Columbia. Seabrook Island Birders had the distinct pleasure of hosting Matt last September talking about his dedicated efforts to study the migration and welfare of these beautiful birds. See below if you would like to watch his presentation.
Post by Alan Fink
Recording by Alan Fink
Pictures from Media Library
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