This is the first summer tanager I have seen outside of a book. He is splendid. I wish the picture was a bit better, but he was moving around and getting deeper and deeper in the woods. When I first spotted him, he was sitting on a rock. I did a double-take because on first glance, he was so still, I thought he was a toy. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
They did sit together for quite a while. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I’m a bit behind on the updating. This mild weather has made for some lovely mornings at the wetlands. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Something happened to the nestlings over the weekend. We didn’t see it, so it’s not clear what it was. There doesn’t appear to be any damage to the nest. It’s intact, but empty. I know this happens, but it’s sad. I did see the parents running off grackles on Friday. This morning I saw some starlings getting chased by a cooper’s hawk, and an owl flew low through the yard. Anything could have happened. It looks like the parents are still around, hanging out in the usual places. They may even be trying again nearby. I saw one (that I think might be one of the couple that built here) trying to drag a big piece of plastic into a bush at our neighbor’s house. I hope they have more success the second time around. For any other neighborhood birds who do not build your own nests, there is a vacancy. Inquire within.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I think they started hatching on Saturday. I’ve seen three little beaks, so far. The parents are very busy. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Time out for a quick bath, then it’s back to work.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
