Showing posts with label Indigo Bunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indigo Bunting. Show all posts

Friday, 17 September 2021

Indigo Blue

Disappointingly, Eastern Bluebirds did not use my nest boxes this year. In fact they never even showed up to use my bird baths which were such a hit with them last year. Sure hope they are okay and just like it better elsewhere.

But this summer another little bird with a suit of blue frequented the baths. A male Indigo Bunting. I'm sure the female was here as well but unrecognized with her plumage of streaky brown.

A male Indigo Bunting checking out the scene.

In shade, he'd look black but the sunlight paints a brighter colour.

He steps cautiously into the pool.

Ah-h-h, feels absolutely wonderful!!
Well, that was refreshing! Must come back soon!
 

Since it was an extra hot summer, it was almost a full time job to keep my three bird baths clean and refilled.

A Northern Flicker stops by to wet his whistle.

Dad and Junior Robin take a dip.

The metal bath is well used but not quite as popular.

A crowd of starlings quickly reduce the water level.


On my last visit to a grocery store, one of my impulse buys was a box of tulip bulbs. In the Spring they should produce a cheerful bouquet for the table.

Bulbs from a grower in Holland to my flower border.

I tacked a net over them to thwart skunks, squirrels and a certain cat.

Wild asters contrast nicely beside a pot of nasturtiums.

Ellie Mae's favourite hobby is catching and eating mice.

"Well, that was tasty! What's for afters?"


 

Thursday, 10 May 2018

A First For Me

Early yesterday morning, I was delighted to see a new guest using one of my bird feeders. This was a special treat because not only was my visitor exceptionally beautiful, it was also my very first sighting of an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea).

Not yet fully blue, this little chap is likely a first-year male.

He certainly seemed to know his way around a bird feeder.

Always wise to check overhead for danger ...

... and get along nicely with the locals.

He calmly makes eye contact with the lady snapping her camera.

Weighing only half an ounce, he sits comfortably within a 1.5 inch square cage opening.