Monday, April 28, 2014

Under The Mulberry Tree

How exciting to finally get a good look at the scarlet tanager last week. As I was standing under a mulberry tree watching the cedar waxwings devour the mostly unripened berries, a red bird peeked out from the leaves high above me. At first I thought it was a cardinal, but then I noticed it had a black tail and no crest. After several clicks, I realized it was the elusive scarlet tanager. Lesson: when unsure, just shoot!

I have got to get a berry tree for my yard. There are a large number of summer, berry-eating birds in Louisiana. The scarlet tanager is mostly insectivorous in summer, but also consumes berries during winter and migration. Unlike the cardinal who forages mostly on the ground, the scarlet tanager prefers hiding among the leaves of deciduous trees high in the forest canopy, making them difficult to see.


Uncropped.

I hated that leaf obscuring his black wing. :(


Stay tuned for a new lifer I added to my list recently!


Please visit other birds from around the world.
Thanks, Anni!!!

47 comments:

Anni said...

Wonderful photos Gail!! Absolutely wonderful. I kinda like the leaf...I know it's hiding the black wing, but it gives the photo some strong contrasting effect.

Anonymous said...

The scarlet tanager has always been one of my favorites. I finally saw one last year...or maybe it was the year before. I'm going to keep my eyes open and zoom handy in case I see another one! Wonderful shots you captured here! I love shooting and then discovering some treasure I wasn't aware of without the camera.

DeniseinVA said...

Incredible photos Gail, such a vivid color red. I have never set eyes on one so this was a special treat to see these today. Have a great week :)

maryaustria said...

Your photos are dreamlike! This bird is such a beauty and you captured it absolutely perfect! Gorgeous!!!

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Gail;
You might think really silly, but for me quite a surprise seeing the varieties of birds with such beautiful appearance through blog friends. Your scarlet tanager is so fantastic with the color contrast of its red body and green of The Mulberry Tree♡♡♡
I loved to hear that they have reserved character like us p;)

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Unknown said...

Incredibly beautiful bird and stunning photos! That second last one looks like the bird is hiding behind a fan...

Irma said...

Beautiful pictures Gail.
This bird is a beauty, you've captured it perfectly.
Greetings Irma

Carole M. said...

OH Gail, these photos are amazing, and such a beautiful bird you had in your sights; well done. Wonderful crisp, great lens and equipment you're working with. That bird is FANTASTIC...

Haddock said...

The scarlet tanager is new to me.
What a contrast of green against the red.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

gorgeous shots of a gorgeous creature. kudos

Unknown said...

WOW!! What an Awesome capture. Your photos always have me drooling all over my computer my friend. Heehee..

Hugs~

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a pretty red bird. He looks almost tropical.

Karen said...

What a great find Gail! He is a beauty, and your captures are wonderful!

Unknown said...

Wow, he's a handsome fellow indeed. That colour is gorgeous.

Brian King said...

He's gorgeous! I actually like the leaf in that one shot!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

He is beautiful! That is a gorgeous shade of red. You did a great job in capturing the photos when you weren't expecting him. I have such a hard time getting good photos of birds. I'm not as quick as they are! :-)

Stephanie said...

Oh Gail, I gasped when I saw your photos - they are amazing! The beautiful red and green together makes for a stunning effect :)

Happy Monday, my friend. Hugs!

Bas. said...

Geweldig mooi Gail wat een kleur ,hij kan zich wel moeilijk verbergen zo,en ach dat blad,dat heeft ook wel wat.

TexWisGirl said...

my gosh! just GORGEOUS!!! your photos AND the bird! have never seen one of these (but i added 2 new birds to my list this week - with terrible shots of them and noticed a painted bunting had returned.)

hootnonny said...

This is pretty awesome! The colors are magnificent!

Have a great week, my birding friend!

Pantherka said...

Wonderful and fantastic photos.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I'm so envious! We did see scarlet tanagers sometimes when we wintered in Arizona -- pre-blog and pre-digital camera. Wish I could see another one now!!! (But your picture is a pretty darn good substitute.) You sure do have your birding mojo back -- based on the last few posts and now the lifer we're holding our breaths to see!

Ela said...

Wow ! Wonderful photos and gorgeous birds :)
Greetings

Inspired By June said...

How exciting, Gail!!!! I've seen the ST's in years past, just passing through - no doubt making their way to you! Never one so dark though. The ST's I've seen have been immature males that were still in transition. What a treat to see your beautiful images today! PS I hope you'll share some of your cedar waxwings shots sometime :) they are one of my favorite birds.

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous red jewels!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Great shots of this beautiful bird. He really stands out among the greens.

Debbie said...

omgosh gail, what amazing captures!! a beautiful bird and stunning images. i have never seen one but how exciting. i love all the leaves....you did so well considering all those leaves. they can get in the way at times ;)

WONDERFUL, i am excited for you!!

eileeninmd said...

Congrats, they are gorgeous birds, I love their color.. Awesome photos, Gail!

Melissa said...

Oh so pretty! Love the backlit leaves too.

Michelle said...

You did an exceptional job capturing this fellow!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I love them all! The green leaves are a perfect backdrop for the brilliant red color of the bird. The close-up is marvelous, and I don't think the leaf detracts in any way.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I love them all! The green leaves are a perfect backdrop for the brilliant red color of the bird. The close-up is marvelous, and I don't think the leaf detracts in any way.

Roan said...

WOW! seems appropriate. What a beautiful bird. I always try to shoot first and look later. Usually my impromptu bird turns out to be a sparrow. :)

Hilary said...

He's wonderful. Your photos are gorgeous. I quite like the one with the leaf obscuring the wing. It puts me in mind of him holding a green fan and keeping cool.

Shug said...

Such a pleasure to visit here today. The gorgeous red on this bird is so magical. Red always brightens my day and today, I get a double dose of happiness....This beautiful bird, and it's awesome attire....
Wishing for you to have a smooth and exciting week...
hugs

Ida said...

Wow! These are fabulous and that is an amazingly beautiful bird.

Linda said...

Beautiful! I would love to get pictures of a scarlet tanager!

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

What a beautiful bird, Gail. Your pictures are stunning. Fantastic light! Greetings from the Netherlands, Joke

Indrani said...

Such bright color, easy to spot against the greens. Great pics.

Anvilcloud said...

Nice find. I like the leaf in front, but I'm sure you'd like some full-on shots too.

Autumn said...

Wow, what a beauty! I love the variety of birds you have access to in Louisiana. They're all so colorful and interesting.

Amy Burzese said...

Marvelous, Gail, and the tree canopy is a beautiful setting.

Anonymous said...

As so many of the commenters, I also like the leaf and its contrast against the bird. Especially the detailed photo is absolutely charming. Wonderful captures, Gail.

Suzan said...

Another bird I've never seen before!! You are always amazing me Gail!! Lovely shots!! Awesome bird!!

Suzan said...

Another bird I've never seen before!! You are always amazing me Gail!! Lovely shots!! Awesome bird!!

LC said...

Glorious color and how you caught this beauty peeking out from among the bright green leaves.

Starla said...

OH. MY. Goodness!! What incredible coloring on this magnificent bird!! I also LOVE the indigo buntings!!

I've been missing in action for a bit but I enjoyed catching up with all your photos this evening!!