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.