Painted Bunting, Nemesis Bird No More!
The painted bunting has long been a nemesis bird for me: I'd go to where it was reported and get someone saying, "Oh, it was just here 10 minutes ago!" And it would never be seen again. I knew Space Coast would be my chance to see one but didn't want to put forth too much effort since it's a bird that has a knack of disappearing when I appear.
Word on the conventional hall street was that a local guide for the bird festival lived very close to where the main headquarters of the festival was held. He had bird feeders that were frequently visited by painted buntings. Could I do it. I grabbed WildBird on the Fly late in the afternoon to give it a shot. We played it cool. We didn't rush there, we just happened to drive by.
The gentleman graciously let us in to his home. We watched. In less than five minutes, I saw movement in the surrounding vegetation. Cardinals were coming in, but one flash of red seemed to small. I got my bins on it: it was a male painted bunting! The bird actually exists. After seeing this wondrous creature for years in photos, it was now breathing and moving in front of me--the do exist!
I asked earlier if there were photo requests. How about a video of the male painted bunting:
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Word on the conventional hall street was that a local guide for the bird festival lived very close to where the main headquarters of the festival was held. He had bird feeders that were frequently visited by painted buntings. Could I do it. I grabbed WildBird on the Fly late in the afternoon to give it a shot. We played it cool. We didn't rush there, we just happened to drive by.
The gentleman graciously let us in to his home. We watched. In less than five minutes, I saw movement in the surrounding vegetation. Cardinals were coming in, but one flash of red seemed to small. I got my bins on it: it was a male painted bunting! The bird actually exists. After seeing this wondrous creature for years in photos, it was now breathing and moving in front of me--the do exist!
I asked earlier if there were photo requests. How about a video of the male painted bunting:
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Labels: Bird Festivals, digivideo, Space Coast Bird Festival
posted by birdchick at 8:23 PM
21 Comments:
I found this just browsing around and I noticed that you go to the Space Coast. Have you ever gone to Merritt Island Refuge? I go there every February vacation and it's a great place to go birding, and the scenery is beautiful as well.
Sharon congrats on your find. This beautiful bird was certainly worth the wait.
Jared from denton tx
CONGRATULATIONS, Sharon - nothing more satisfying than seeing a nemesis bird. Could you send a Mississippi Kite our way?
Best
Warren and Lisa
We agree, congratulations Sharon.
I really enjoyed seeing your video of the Painted Bunting. I would love to see one in the wild.
My nemesis bird is the Elegant Trogon.
Well done, Sharon, I'm glad you were able to find a nemesis! My own is Montezuma Quail, but it's not a big thing if I never see one. For the person with the nemesis of Elegant Trogon, a nice leisurely spring/summer trip around the SE Arizona canyonland, especially Garden Canyon by Fort Huachuca, should do the trick. Enjoy!
Congrats!
Holy cow, look at that bird. That can't possibly exist.
My in-laws live in Sebastian, just south of you, and I first saw a painted bunting, male and female, at their house. They are just beautiful birds!
Congrats Sharon! Honing in on 1000 birds I see. ;)
I'm so thrilled for you Sharon and, on this one, can actually put myself in your place. Even though Painted Buntings can be seen about four hours southeast of me on the NC/SC coast, I had to go almost to the Florida Keys to see one in 2006.
It was the first time since my first Scarlet Tanager in 1998 that I found myself saying, "I can't BELIEVE that bird!". Hope you find many more goodies down there this weekend.
Dave Hardin
"Scooter M. Personality"
Ok, that was cool. Seriously so. Of course, I am a bird and nature geek, and am impressed by such things. I like though. And, I really need to start keeping a life list. Never did get in the habit. Any recommendations for free life list software?
On another note, as long as people are sharing amazing bird moments. Ours was at my wife's baby shower. There we were, a vast chunk of women and presents and ribbons and babies. And as Leah and I were talking with people, thanking them for their presents, I looked over there heads to a tree. We were in our garden in Crownsville, MD at the time. "Hey, Is that a SCARLET TANAGER!" You could immediately know all the birders in the group, who immediately as they bounced up, a half dozen of us in a group over 20. The rest said, "Oh, a what?" as they gazed over their shoulders. It took some work, but I believe we impressed upon them the gravity of the moment. Leah still says that seeing that was the best present of the event! Huh...Birders!
Thanks for sending it back to us!
Jan
What a lovely, feathered jewel! Thank you so much.
Sharon, I believe I had my life black chinned hummingbird in that same yard last festival-and even more special had a life sighting of Bill of the Birds at the same time!
yay! congratulations!
NO!! YOU CAN'T HAVE! How can we share nemesis birds now???
Besides, feeders is cheating! :D I say it doesn't count!
Alright, so I got my lifer Mango at a feeder. But that's a vagrant. PABUs are supposed to be there. so it's cheating! Grrr....... lol
Congrats Sharon! :D Now send one my way will you?
Thanks so much for the congrats, I'm still in shock!!
Here to everyone out there and to hoping they get their nemesis bird.
Chris, I'm so sorry, but I'm sure you would have done the same in my shoes. In the meantime, I'll start some psychic classes and see if I can talk any painted bunting into flying your way.
Hahaha, you're right, I would have. :D lol
Ok then, it's a deal. You send one my way and you can count this one. heheh. lol jk. :D
Great video. I hope my lifer provides me with as great a look.
Happy Birding! --Chris
Congratulations! what a gorgeous creature.
SHARON! THANK YOU! Wow. Perhaps my next request should be an ivory-billed woodpecker! I'm sure you could fulfill that request too!
dguzman,
glad you enjoyed it, babe. I aim to please.
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