New bird for me- Lazuli Bunting

Had a new bird on the feeder just after daybreak. Too dark for a pic, but got a good look at it. It was a Lazuli Bunting. Guides say it doesn't live here, nor migrate through this area. But I'm positive of the id. Maybe he will visit again and I can get a pic.




This message was edited May 6, 2009 7:53 AM

Hope it comes back, I'd love to see a photo. I had to look it up in my book-it's a beauty.

It did return and was back on the feeder, but the Titmice ran it off before I could get my camera. It's been on the feeder twice now, so should know where the groceries are.

Also had an Indigo visit a couple of times this a.m.

Going by the (tiny!) map in Sibley, you're right on the edge of Lazuli Bunting's breeding range. Nice to get one though!

Resin

Pretty bird, you're lucky! I'm still waiting,hoping for at least an Indigo Bunting. Maybe one day? *sigh*

The pictures in Sibley don't do them justice, IMHO. They are a beautiful bird with the prettiest color of turquoise-blue of any bird I know. They are quite common here in Utah, though they seldom visit my yard.

Congratulations red!

Finally got some pics. If it ever quites raining here, I might get better ones. Has rained 15 of the last 16 days. If I wanted to live in Seattle, I'd move there!

Anyway I have two male Lazuli Buntings around and one female.

Pic of one of the males in a Live Oak tree.

Both of the males on a feeder tray.

Female on a feeder.

Two males.

Oh my goodness! Can't believe I ran across this thread. I was looking at one through the binoculars just this morning trying to figure out what it was. Told my DH that it looked kind of like a bluebird but was not a bluebird. Is central AR considered in their range? I need to look it up. Maybe all these storms have pushed them outside their normal range?

Thanks for sharing your photos. Perfect timing!

Most excellent Red...I am very envious of you having this beautiful bird visiting you!! I would love to see one!!

Central AR is a bit outside their normal range, tho' Sibley gives AR a green spot meaning they have occurred there before. Worth reporting to your local bird recorder.

Resin

I looked it up in the Audubon book and am not 100% that's what I saw. What I saw definitely looks like Red's photos, but not what was described in the book. The first time I saw him he was clinging to the side of a tree - then moved to the top of a fence. The book catagorizes them as perchers, not clingers. Hopefully, I have another opportunity to take a look.

Red, have you seen yours again? Are they still coming to your feeder?

I've seen them several times, but they don't stay long and I haven't been able to get photos. They stayed longer on that tray feeder today. There were several Goldfinches feeding nearby and that seemed to give them more confidence.

I've seen one of the males a couple of times this afternoon.

Nice feeder. Did you make it from a tray of some sort?

The more I look at your photos the more I'm convinced what I saw was the same. Especially your photos of the males that look puffed up. My guy was very puffy.

Nope. Lowe's. :-)

Congrats, Red! I got my first look at them while visiting Jackson Hole where there were many at the feeders. Beautiful birds. Love your pictures, too. I have lived here for 13 years and have had one male visit my feeder at the very end of May a few years back. Never saw him again, figured he finally got the idea that he was somewhat lost.