▼

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:

  1. Anni April 28, 2014 at 5:03 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DeniseinVAApril 28, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. maryaustriaApril 28, 2014 at 6:28 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. orchid0324April 28, 2014 at 7:12 AM

    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*

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownApril 28, 2014 at 7:59 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. IrmaApril 28, 2014 at 8:09 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carole M.April 28, 2014 at 8:10 AM

    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...

    ReplyDelete
  9. HaddockApril 28, 2014 at 8:14 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. Author R. Mac WheelerApril 28, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    gorgeous shots of a gorgeous creature. kudos

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownApril 28, 2014 at 9:21 AM

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

    Hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmApril 28, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    What a pretty red bird. He looks almost tropical.

    ReplyDelete
  13. KarenApril 28, 2014 at 10:19 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownApril 28, 2014 at 10:39 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. Brian KingApril 28, 2014 at 10:53 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tina Fariss BarbourApril 28, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    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! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. StephanieApril 28, 2014 at 11:19 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Bas.April 28, 2014 at 11:30 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. TexWisGirlApril 28, 2014 at 11:39 AM

    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.)

    ReplyDelete
  20. hootnonnyApril 28, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    This is pretty awesome! The colors are magnificent!

    Have a great week, my birding friend!

    ReplyDelete
  21. PantherkaApril 28, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    Wonderful and fantastic photos.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sallie (FullTime-Life)April 28, 2014 at 12:17 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  23. ElaApril 28, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    Wow ! Wonderful photos and gorgeous birds :)
    Greetings

    ReplyDelete
  24. Inspired By JuneApril 28, 2014 at 12:42 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    What gorgeous red jewels!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ruth HiebertApril 28, 2014 at 1:31 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. DebbieApril 28, 2014 at 2:10 PM

    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!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. eileeninmdApril 28, 2014 at 4:00 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. MelissaApril 28, 2014 at 5:12 PM

    Oh so pretty! Love the backlit leaves too.

    ReplyDelete
  30. MichelleApril 28, 2014 at 5:30 PM

    You did an exceptional job capturing this fellow!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Linda at To Behold The BeautyApril 28, 2014 at 6:59 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Linda at To Behold The BeautyApril 28, 2014 at 6:59 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  33. RoanApril 28, 2014 at 8:17 PM

    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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. HilaryApril 28, 2014 at 8:20 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  35. ShugApril 28, 2014 at 8:52 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  36. IdaApril 28, 2014 at 11:19 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  37. LindaApril 28, 2014 at 11:53 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  38. Joke (Joke's Camera)April 29, 2014 at 1:51 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  39. IndraniApril 29, 2014 at 1:56 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnvilcloudApril 29, 2014 at 5:48 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  41. AutumnApril 29, 2014 at 12:50 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. Amy BurzeseApril 29, 2014 at 1:49 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousApril 29, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  44. SuzanApril 29, 2014 at 2:55 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  45. SuzanApril 29, 2014 at 2:55 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  46. LCApril 29, 2014 at 5:13 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  47. StarlaApril 29, 2014 at 9:08 PM

    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!!

    ReplyDelete

I ♥ my wonderful readers!! Comments are a huge ray of sunshine in my day. I make it a point to visit all those who take time to share their thoughts. If you ask a question, please make sure your email address is enabled in your profile; otherwise, I cannot answer. Thanks!