Summer Tanagers

Late yesterday afternoon I looked out and saw the Summer Tanagers had arrived.  A pair nested behind the house last year and after the nesting season, the adult female came to the bird bath daily.












There is no doubt that the male that came yesterday was a first year male.  I would guess he is probably from last nesting season.  A bit harder to tell on the female.

The male came first and what first caught my attention is that the adult male Cardinals were giving this bird heck.  Thinking first it was a another Cardinal until I saw the yellow on the wings and once it moved more in to the light I could see the color difference.  I am glad to have them back this year.  For sure he took after his Mom in enjoying the bath.

My Nemesis Bird of the Summer

How appropriate that my nemesis bird for the summer is the Summer Tanager.  Despite my best efforts so far, less than desirable pictures have been all I could manage.  I headed out with a friend this morning to a location where he had gotten an excellent shot.  We heard one along the trail but arriving at the destination only got a quick glimpse of a female.

Late this afternoon I went to move the trail camera.  At this location, the adult male fully enjoys taunting me.  As I walk it will fly nearby and as soon as I get a good eye on its location, off it goes.  Curses!

I finally found the one area where I could always spot them.  After seeing the young ones there today, I can only guess that the adult male was leading me away from the location.  They must have nested in that particular area.  There were lots of young ones around this afternoon.  The males are in various stages of getting their orange feathers. 

I watched what I believe must be the mom bird.  She was hunting in the trees staying in the shade.  She had an entourage of young birds constantly following her still begging for food despite being adult size.

 So I will continue my quest during the remainder of the summer and hope for that one clear shot in good light.  Always good to have a goal.

Beautiful Saturday

The weather was simply amazing today for the middle of June.  Coolish this morning with a clear blue sky.  I expected birding to be fantastic this morning but was back home within about 1 1/2 hours disappointed.

I jumped in and starting cutting grass and cleaning limbs and weeds out of the natural areas in the yard.  I ended up also cutting my neighbors yard as she has had recent surgery and was unable to do much.    After cooling down I decided to go down to my cousins farm.  The birds have been quiet amazing and for whatever reason, seems best between 2-5.




I was not disappointed.  The pair of Summer Tanagers were active yet the female always seem to stay in the shadows.  Best shot is looking up at her.  The male prefers Pine Trees and generally is up high but at least he is usually in good light.













Over the last week I kept hearing a couple of Yellow-Billed Cuckoo's.  Finally today, I got to see both of them together.  I found the area where they like to hang out so will definitely revisit.  Something about these birds is jsut so cool.






































I have also been watching a pair of Red-Headed Woodpeckers.  This is the first year that I have ever seen them on the farm and was absolutely thrilled when I found their nesting tree.  I was a bit surprised that it appeared to be an active nest with the adults going in and out.  I am judging that on the basis of observing that the Red-Bellied Woodpecker young are already out. 

The Great Crested Flycatchers were active, vocal and keeping all the other birds stirred up.