Tuesday, April 27, 2010

A New Color at My Bird Feeders

photo by needsmoreritalin, posted on Wikipedia

Yesterday, I thought I saw a flash of blue in the tree above my feeders. My eyes were not fooling me, as I spotted two bright blue, male Indigo Buntings at the bird feeders about 10:30 this morning. The females are relatively non-descript, and though I'm sure a female or two must have accompanied these blue beauties, I'll have to sit quietly outside with binoculars to be certain.  Perhaps I'll be lucky enough to get my own photo of these beautiful blue birds. However, it won't be today, as it's much cooler and very windy, not comfortable viewing conditions for these old bones!  I hope the Buntings will stay around until it's a bit warmer.

This is only the second occasion that Indigo Buntings have visited my yard, the first being around 10 or more years ago. Where have you been hiding, my pretties?

More, later.

17 comments:

Hilary said...

That's a beautiful critter. I hope they stick around for you for a while.

Snap said...

How exciting! I used to see them on occasion when we lived on Galveston Island. Lucky you!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Pat----you are so lucky... I have never seen one. They are gorgeous... Wish you'd send him here for me to see!!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Peter said...

You'll have me emigrating to the States in a flash, what a beautiful little bird that is! Must be such a joy to see one around the place!

Arkansas Patti said...

Aren't they just beautiful Pat? I have only had a few rare sightings here.
I usually quit feeding birds as the weather gets nice for it seems to attract voles and there is plenty of natural stuff for them to eat but I really do miss the daily visits.

rhymeswithplague said...

I have seen just one Indigo Bunting in my life, also about ten years ago, when we lived in our former home. William Wordsworth's heart may have leaped up when he beheld a rainbow in the sky, but mine leaped up when I beheld that Indigo Bunting.

Pat - Arkansas said...

rhymeswithplague -- What an apt description for the feeling I, also, had when I saw my first Indigo Bunting. There it was, alone, sitting in a patch of brightly sunlit grass, gleaming like the most precious jewel in the world. I had not seen another until this week.

God has a wonderful color palette, doesn't He?

Pat - Arkansas said...

Peter: If you emigrate, please bring some of your beautiful pots! The colors in some of those crystal glazes would give these Buntings a run for their money! :)

Pat - Arkansas said...

Hilary: There were five -- yes FIVE -- males at the feeder last evening just before dusk. I tried to get a photo, but it was just too dark for my lens. Perhaps they will come back during sunshine hours today. I'm going to be watching!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Betsy: If I could, I'd bring you some. They are a sight to behold, and would gladden your heart!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Snap: I'm so glad you've seen them. You understand how excited I've been to see them in my yard.

NitWit1 said...

What beautiful visitor. I miss the birds since we were forced to forfeit all our trees during the breat ice storm.

abb said...

Indigos have visited me exactly once in 30 years. And I was thrilled! Isn't it fun to see new birds?

Suldog said...

So few colorful birds up my way. Robins, of course, and blue jays; sometimes an occasional cardinal. That's about it. Otherwise, starlings and sparrows and pigeons (not that I don't like them - I do. But they aren't very colorful birds that catch the eye.)

Sniffles and Smiles said...

They are spectacular! I have never seen them! I can well imagine that you'd like them to stick around! Hope you are able to get a photo! So pretty! How fortunate you are! ~Janine XO

cottonpicker said...

All we have out here are crows....enjoy!

Anna said...

How lovely Pat!