Spring bird migration is in full feathers! I haven’t had as much time to sit and observe as I’d like, but have enjoyed the brief visits of some colorful visitors. This Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra, showed up a little earlier this year, as I typically see a crew of them in late April. Still, this stunning male brightened the garden for a time, checking out the bees for a meal.
The same afternoon, an Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea, perched here and there in the garden. While I see a number of the same species during spring and fall migrations every year, I don’t see this kind of migrant often. I’m chuffed that this one chose my garden to rest in that one afternoon. Smaller than the tanager, it was was easy to spot, those blue feathers a decorative focal point in the Rough-leaf Dogwood.
Both birds stayed around only one afternoon, but I’ve seen other migratory birds since and the season should continue through May. Safe travels, my feathered friends, and wishing all of you a successful summer of breeding and chick rearing.
My Gardener Says... 
Oh, my! I’ve never seen the summer tanager, but for three years a single indigo bunting has visited for a day or two before moving on. It would be great if it showed up again this year.
The astonishment yesterday as the appearance of a rose-breasted grosbeak at my feeders. I’ve never seen one here before, but when I spotted it I thought, “Migration!” Last week I saw five scissor-tailed flycatchers lined up on a wire on Galveston Island: a sure sign of arriving summer.
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Yes, migration is in full swing! I saw a graphic from Cornell yesterday with the number of birds migrating, so impressive. I’m sure I’m missing some in my garden; my SIL saw a Hooded Warbler a few days ago and I wouldn’t be surprised if it came to my pond, but it was a day I didn’t have time to watch.
I don’t see scissor-tails very often, though I have seen them several times when I visit the LBJWC–I think they like that space!
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You got such good photos. I was never able to get a good photo of the tanager, as they were always high in the trees, and the Indigo Bunting that used my feeder would flee as soon as I walked outside.
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I was pleased that both birds, while flitting here-n-there, did perch for periods of time. Dumb luck, I suspect!
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One advantage of being grounded at home is more bird watching. I just saw what I think might have been an orange-crowned warbler at the water bowl, but I susprised it away before I fully realized what I was looking at.
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Yes, it’s a good hobby to have and easy to do when you’re hanging around the house, providing food sources, of course.
I think orange-crowns may be my favorite. They’re so cute and flitty!
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I have only spotted a tanager a couple of times in wild woods. What an experience. Would love to see the Indigo buntings. Still waiting for hummers and Baltimore orioles here. They are among the last to show up. But it has gotten cold again for a few days with some snow. Hoping they are here soon.
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Hi Donna! Both birds are stunning, that’s for sure. I see the tanagers every spring, not so the Indigo, but was happy this one stopped in for a visit.
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STUNNING!! Oh goodness I’ve never seen either but I so, so want to!
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They’re coming through SA as we speak!!
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It’s good that you got the rich red and blue.
To fill out the flag did you see a white one too?
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No, but there’s always hope for a sighting of a Mississippi Kite!
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