I really did a double take. I mean, that red was so intense. This male Scarlet Tanager, Piranga olivacea, was a real eye catcher!
I was lucky to get a shot, as the little one seemed a cautious of me and we had a wide open space between us--no cover to move in closer.
Once again I get the opportunity to photograph a bird I have never seen before. It's like going to the zoo! :-)
You know, it's hard to describe just how wonderful it is to explore this marvelous world. It's not just the showy birds, but also the long-lived presence of trees and the fleeting seasonal herbs that leave me stunned by the beauty and complexity of our natural surroundings. One need only walk a few steps from one's door to find the richness that could take a lifetime to ponder and appreciate.
