I had the most fun encounter with a Summer Tanager the other day. This handsome male was perched on a branch near the fountain…

…when he quickly swooped off, snared a bee in his beak, and made his way to a different branch to enjoy it!

I was so happy he didn’t hide behind some leaves to munch on his morsel, but stayed in the clearing so we could watch!

These birds are masterful bee and wasp eaters and begin the process by rubbing or slamming their “meal” on the branch to remove the stinger and the wings.

Then, little…

…by little…

…by little…

…by little, they consume their catch!

After this fellow had finished moving the bee from beak to belly, he flew down to the fountain…

…and helped himself to a big ole bath. I never get tired of seeing birds enjoying the water.

He seemed to be having a grand ole time when he suddenly stopped and went into high alert mode, as another bird made an unexpected appearance.

You’ll have to wait until part two to hear the rest of the story, but as a little teaser, let’s just say that he went from making quite a catch to being one himself! Stay tuned!