An Un-Scarlet Tanager

While I was cooking dinner last night (lemon garlic pork loin, baked potatoes, sugar kiss melon, and potato rolls – in case you were curious) I glanced out the kitchen window and saw a boisterous family of Bluebirds at one of the birdbaths. Seeing that there was about 20 minutes left on the oven timer, I scurried to the back deck with my camera and began clicking away.

The lighting and the distance (as well as the unskilled photographer!) made for fuzzy photos, but I still enjoyed watching these guys sipping and dipping.

As I watched the family of Bluebirds splashing about, I happened to see a flash of yellow out of the corner of my eye. It was a female Scarlet Tanager patiently waiting for her turn to get a drink.

She stays the same lemony-lime color all year long…

…but her male counterpart, who showed up a few moments later, is a brilliant red during the mating season but becomes an Un-scarlet tanager when fall arrives, choosing bright yellow feathers for his autumn attire.

These two are just passing through on their way to spend the winter in South America, but seeing them was truly a treat!

Published by kathydoremus

Amateur nature "photogriter." One who still marvels at majesty.

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