In case you missed the previous post, when last we left our bee-eating bird, he was bathing in the fountain when something caught his attention.

Turns out, it was a female Summer Tanager, swooping in to join him!

At first, I couldn’t tell if these two were flirting or fighting, but I just kept snapping pictures hoping to capture some shots I’d be able to share with ya’ll.

When I loaded the pictures onto the computer and looked at them more closely, it was clear that all their behaviors were displays of affection, not aggression!

The beak nibbling…

…and the feather fanning, were in no way adversarial. It was so incredibly fascinating to watch.

This next photo was probably my favorite.

The pair kept at it for quite some time, going back and forth, taking turns initiating the beak nibbling.

Eventually, he flew off out of sight…

…but she must have decided that he was quite a catch because she immediately followed right after him!

And now, for a funny story. Right after I finished taking these photos, a friend texted and asked what I was doing. I told her that I was out taking pictures of tanagers that were either flirting or fighting. But she misread “tanagers” as “teenagers” and was momentarily quite confused!!! But have no fear, I have not been out snapping shots of amorous teenagers!