There are some birds that pass through my neck of the woods during spring migration that are, without exaggeration, breathtakingly beautiful – with the male Scarlet Tanager being one of them!

This fellow dropped by the other day and did his best to stay tucked away amidst the tree top leaves.

I was thrilled when he made a repeat appearance a couple of days later to enjoy a bit of fountain refreshment.

First, he perched on the side of the birdbath for a drink…

…and then he popped down into the fountain for a dip.

He never ventured too far from the side (I guess it’s hard to feel safe with colors that are that hard to camo!) but he did manage to splash about and get a pretty good soaking.

Then, before his final departure, he paused and gave me a few posed pics on an overhead branch before flying off on his journey north.

Oh how I wish these beauties were year round residents, but since their visits here are few and far between, I’ll just be glad for the glimpses!