Tuesday, May 6, 2014

New Lifer and a Birthday Wish

Conditions were perfect, the light great, me in the bird blind, and there it was: the glorious PAINTED BUNTING. Numero uno on my wish list. BUT there was a problem and it's going to make me sound like a spoiled brat...it was an immature male! Now he's pretty too, don't get me wrong; however, I really had my heart set on a mature, adult male. Is that too much to ask? I waited in that sweltering bird blind for an hour. Since I was about to pass out, I had to give up, although I have not given up completely. I will be back!

No offense little man, you're cute as a button.



A shout-out today to my wonderful, caring, amazing husband: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I have downloaded "When I'm 64" by The Beatles on his phone just to remind him how old he is every time he gets a call, which is frequent. Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64? The answer is YES!!! I love you so much! (I can't believe I used to think 64 was elderly. My, how advancing through life changes our perspective as we go along.)

Sharing with Our World Tuesday.

44 comments:

Carole M. said...

w - o - w you've got to love that painted bunting!! Can't wait too for when you get to photograph the adult male; I can't imagine how you can top this little guy; he is spectacular and your photograph so crisp (I think I'm GREEN with envy :)) Nice para' for your man too Gail; belated birthday wishes extended from my side of the world.

Hootin Anni said...

I think they're very pretty!! Both male and female. The female especially when she's out, flying, and the sunlight hits her bright green!!!

Wonderful close-up images Gail.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR HUSBAND.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Happy birthday to your husband!! This calls for lots of cake haha. And that's so neat that you got to see a bird that's #1 on your birding bucket list. The Scarlet Tanager is #1 on mine :)

Roan said...

Beautiful bird! Green is my favorite color. I'm singing the same song as
your hubby today. Always loved the song but never really imagined I would one day be humming the tune. lol

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Happy birfday to hubs

Anvilcloud said...

Your photos a re well taken -- sharp where they should be and blurry in the background -- at least in this series. I'm sure you can't always manage this feat, nor should you.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

is that bird green? so wild. neat coloring. a big happy birthday to your hubby. mine is approaching soon. makes me nervous. not ready for another year??! at least being older that is. can't we pick an age & stay that forever ever. ( :

Amy Burzese said...

He's a keeper and will soon be a fully colored male. Just keep watching for him. I was excited yesterday to see several Summer Tanagers at the golf course. You have been my inspiration! Thanks!

orchid0324 said...

Your painted bunting is amazingly beautiful♪♪♪ Young one must be sweet, I love the way he is looking at you.

Happy Birthday to your husband!!! Well, my husband became same age this March; I thought I'd better check the The Beatles song. Haha, he won't like the English song "all Greek to him" p;)

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

Irma said...

What a beautiful pictures, Gail.
Beautiful bird and this beautiful color, I've never seen this.
Congratulations on the anniversary of your husband.
Greetings Irma

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

These photos make every minute in that hot, sweltering bird blind worthwhile. They're perfection. And you still have the adult male to look forward to!

hootnonny said...

I so appreciate your sweltering away so we can reap the benefit of your sacrifice even if it is a beautiful youngster!

Happy Birthday to DD. Believe me, 64 is NOT old! Bet he's 27 in his mind...I am!

Shug said...

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Double D. Hope his day is filled with lots of delights!! Sorry for the disappointment, however....you did not disappoint me! Such a beautiful bird and the colors are outstanding...
I know you will soon get that picture of the adult male painted bunting!! Enjoy the celebrations today...

TexWisGirl said...

He's marvelous! The bunting's not bad either. ;)

Debbie said...

Took my breath away, WoW!! Happy birthday husband!!

barbara l. hale said...

That little birdie is green perfection! Glad you got a shot at him. Looking forward to when you manage to get a mature male. Happy birthday to your husband!

Karen said...

WOWSERS Gail. Brilliant shots!
Happy Birthday to your hubby.

DeniseinVA said...

Sweet sentiments to your dear hubby and I'd like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I also love your photo of this little bird, I know what you mean. You had your heart set on the other but gosh Gail, your photos are really something to be proud of. It made me smile you talking about sweltering in your blind. It's something I would do but I'd have passed out long before you would have :) Have a great day :)))

Barb said...

Happy Birthday to your Hubby! Those photos of the Bunting are so crisp, I feel like I was there with you (although it's not sweltering here).

Autumn said...

What a cool bird! Green birds seem so exotic somehow.

Happy birthday, DD!! He's proof that age is just a number. :)

Bas. said...

geweldig wat een mooie ogen heeft hij.

Ruth Hiebert said...

This fella is good looking,but I do hope you get to have your lens on a beautiful adult male one of these days. No 64 is not old,as a matter of fact it soon will be in my rear-view mirror.:)

Kim Stevens said...

I love coming to see what you've captured here!

Beate said...

WOW!!!! I'm so impressed! Those pictures are AMAZING!!! I can understand you wanted a mature male - but maybe this was the practice shot so the mature male one will turn out perfect (though I must say I can't think of anything more perfect than these pictures) - I'm truly amazed!

Donna said...

What a great idea with the song...happy birthday to him....great painted bunting. I have never seen them.

eileeninmd said...

Happy Birthday to your hubby! Awesome shots of the Painted Bunting!

Inspired By June said...

He's stunning, Gail! Great capture - worth the sweat! Happy Birthday to your hubs!

Anita Johnson said...

These photos are so detailed, I can't wait to see the adult bunting!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

You guys are SO young! (But I remember my dad buying that (new) record because he was that age -- I thought he was old -- and I got such a kick out of the fact that he actually bought Sgt Pepper.)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I hate my IPAD....asn't ready to send the above comment. Congratulations on the lifer -- when you see the fully mature one (and you will!) I think you can count it as another lifer. The little guy is adorable.

Anonymous said...

I think I need a blind. These photos are beautiful, Gail.
Happy birthday to your husband. I feel the same way about age.

LC said...

Happy Bday to your husband. And you are so right about the painted bunting--no comparison between immature and mature. I have seen a painted male once--and he was phenomenal.

A friend said there were a few painted and lots of indigo sightings around our area in the past few weeks. We had indigos in our yard several times this spring for the first time since about 1980.

Stephanie said...

Cute as a button indeed! Your photos are so vivid and clear, dear Gail.

Happy Birthday to your sweetie pie :)

Hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to your honey! I used to think 64 was old, too. Funny, huh? Gorgeous little bunting you captured. But I know what you mean about wanting to catch the full grown male. Good luck!

Ida said...

Immature or not he's still amazing and beautiful.
Happy Birthday to your hubby, that was a funny thing to do.

Ida said...

Immature or not he's still amazing and beautiful.
Happy Birthday to your hubby, that was a funny thing to do.

Anonymous said...

I am amazed with your perseverance. I am sure you will succeed.

Melissa said...

I don't know what a mature male looks like (no pun), but I love his colors!

Suzan said...

You are too funny Gail!! I loved that song- 64 - by the Beatles and thought the age of 64 was ancient and archaic, also!!
ONE DAY, I'll get to see a painted bunting!!

Brian King said...

Gorgeous! Happy Birthday to your husband!

renae said...

Rather ironic Gail, wanting the mature male bird to photo and then exclaiming your husband is the mature male. Just make me chuckle, even if that wasn't the intent. I love the younger bird. That intense green is so fabulous. ♥,Renae

Anonymous said...

What an adorable little guy.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

This is a much better shot, rare, you don't see it often. It's a first for me.

Helma said...

I must admit that I am quite envious of these beautiful photographs of beautiful birds.