Indigo Bunting at Sunnybrook Park: Late July 2021

In midsummer, on a hot day, about the only bird you will hear singing is the Indigo Bunting.

Indigo Bunting (male)

The demure brown female stays in secluded thickets while the brilliant blue male sings.

Indigo Bunting (female)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (female)

A kindly gentleman named Deryk saw me with my camera and pointed out a good spot to take photos of this lovely species.

Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)

MYSTERY BIRD

I will identify it at the end of the post.

Every time I visit Sunnybrook Park I have a look at the many bird feeders in the east parking lot. Even though they have not recently been replenished there is a large quantity of seeds lying on the ground. Here are some of the customners.

Mourning Dove
Cottontail Rabbit munching on nearby plants
Red-winged Blackbird (female)
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Hairy Woodpecker (female)
Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Chipmunk
Hairy Woodpecker (female)
Hairy Woodpecker (female)
Northern Cardinal (female)
Brown-headed Cowbird (juvenile)
Brown-headed Cowbird (juvenile)
Brown-headed Cowbird (juvenile)
Blue Jay
Mallards (juvenile)
Mourning Dove
Black Squirrel
Blue Jay
Red-bellied Woodpecker (male)
Mallard (female)
Blue Jay

MYSTERY BIRD

Common near bird feeders – a White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

NATURE POETRY

Black bees on the clover-heads drowsily clinging,
Where tall, feathered grasses and buttercups sway,
And all through the fields a white sprinkle of daisies,
Open-eyed at the setting of day.                                 – Abba Gould Woolson (1838–1921) 

Miles Hearn

3 thoughts on “Indigo Bunting at Sunnybrook Park: Late July 2021

  1. Ruth Calman

    Great post:). Is the indigo an early migrant or would it have been nesting in the park? I never saw one in the spring so might give it a try if it is likely to be seen. Thx

    R

    Reply
  2. Lisa Volkov

    Wonderful pictures! And how nice of Deryk to help you out with the Indigo Bunting. I love that bird! Thanks, Miles!

    Reply
  3. Deryk Clark

    Great work here, Miles. Thank you for capturing such wonderful images of a little gem that so few have a chance to see.

    Reply

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