The female Scarlet Tanager has visited the birdbath on several occasions. I was hoping to see the male and today it finally happened. The first time it was around noon. Didn't stay long but long enough to snap a photo and soak in that gorgeous color. So much more vibrant than a Cardinal.
Around 5:00, what appeared to be a different bird showed up. It had a lighter spot on top of the head and back. I was able to get a photo and video of him taking a bath. What a thrill to have them in my yard.
Earlier this morning the pedestal bath was full of Robins of different ages. As always, they left a bunch of hackberry pits.
Another special visitor was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in the spicebush out front. Some of those berries are starting to turn red, but I'm not sure they are on their menu.
Since there seems to be plenty of food out there for the birds, I haven't been putting out seed. On a whim, I put out a small amount of sunflower chips on the tray outside my kitchen window. It didn't take long for the youngsters to find it. A female Carninal was one, still had the dark beak. One persistent young Housefinch kept getting in dad's face, wanting to be fed, even touching his beak. He just kept it up. So funny. Reminded me of an annoying little kid.
