Watching the Indigo Bunting
Are you a bird watcher? If you’ve never been very impressed by birds, then perhaps you haven’t been watching the right ones. Consider the Indigo Bunting as an example. By Cindy Hunsinger
Our office window has somehow over time become our portal to the great outdoors. From our home office we are able to observe various species of wildlife. We can watch the deer devour the fruits of our labor in our garden, much to our dismay and, at the same time, our awe. We can also watch with great fascination as mother and father Carolina Wrens construct their new home under the cover of our propane tank. And rejoice with them at the first flight of their babies on the beginning of their life’s journey. We have watched a spider work hard daily to spin her web in hopes of a good catch, a preying mantis await his next meal, butterflies effortlessly float by, and a very demanding hummingbird alert us whenever his feeder is empty.
However, the visitors we have seen more recently have been simply fascinating. I have never seen a bird with such a striking blue tone to its feathers. I had to know more about this beautiful creature so I quickly turned to the computer to research these brilliant blue birds. I just had to know what species they were and how we could get more. If you have never seen the Indigo Bunting then I know your first sighting of one will perhaps be just as exciting for you as it was for me. The color of these little birds is spectacular. What I didn’t know was that they are actually little finches. Their plumage appears almost iridescent.
They are approximately 5½ inches in size. They migrate at night using the stars to guide them. Thankfully they prefer bushy areas near the edge of woodland, which describes our backyard just beyond our garden and explains why we are graced with their presence. They also like yards with bushes and shrubs.
During the breeding season indigo buntings can be found in Eastern North America and Southern Canada. The males are the first to arrive in North America, anywhere from April to mid May. They then establish their territories and await the arrival of the females. Each female will then chose her mate and they will raise 2 to 3 broods. The female builds a sound nest of twigs, leaves, and plant fibers. She then lines the nest with feathers, fine grasses, cloth, and other materials. Once she lays the eggs she proceeds to incubate them for about 2 weeks. During this time the male stays away from the nest until the eggs hatch, but he will defend the nest from predators. After the hatchlings fledge the male takes care of them while the female prepares for the second brood.
So how do I attract more of these gorgeous birds to my backyard? Well, among the foods they enjoy are spiders and insects. They also like seeds, berries, and fruit. A source of water, a seed feeder, and some shrubbery would also be a welcoming sight and perhaps a selling point for them to move right in.
With a little effort, perhaps when you look out your window, you too will be amazed by what you see.
Our office window has somehow over time become our portal to the great outdoors. From our home office we are able to observe various species of wildlife. We can watch the deer devour the fruits of our labor in our garden, much to our dismay and, at the same time, our awe. We can also watch with great fascination as mother and father Carolina Wrens construct their new home under the cover of our propane tank. And rejoice with them at the first flight of their babies on the beginning of their life’s journey. We have watched a spider work hard daily to spin her web in hopes of a good catch, a preying mantis await his next meal, butterflies effortlessly float by, and a very demanding hummingbird alert us whenever his feeder is empty.
However, the visitors we have seen more recently have been simply fascinating. I have never seen a bird with such a striking blue tone to its feathers. I had to know more about this beautiful creature so I quickly turned to the computer to research these brilliant blue birds. I just had to know what species they were and how we could get more. If you have never seen the Indigo Bunting then I know your first sighting of one will perhaps be just as exciting for you as it was for me. The color of these little birds is spectacular. What I didn’t know was that they are actually little finches. Their plumage appears almost iridescent.
They are approximately 5½ inches in size. They migrate at night using the stars to guide them. Thankfully they prefer bushy areas near the edge of woodland, which describes our backyard just beyond our garden and explains why we are graced with their presence. They also like yards with bushes and shrubs.
During the breeding season indigo buntings can be found in Eastern North America and Southern Canada. The males are the first to arrive in North America, anywhere from April to mid May. They then establish their territories and await the arrival of the females. Each female will then chose her mate and they will raise 2 to 3 broods. The female builds a sound nest of twigs, leaves, and plant fibers. She then lines the nest with feathers, fine grasses, cloth, and other materials. Once she lays the eggs she proceeds to incubate them for about 2 weeks. During this time the male stays away from the nest until the eggs hatch, but he will defend the nest from predators. After the hatchlings fledge the male takes care of them while the female prepares for the second brood.
So how do I attract more of these gorgeous birds to my backyard? Well, among the foods they enjoy are spiders and insects. They also like seeds, berries, and fruit. A source of water, a seed feeder, and some shrubbery would also be a welcoming sight and perhaps a selling point for them to move right in.
With a little effort, perhaps when you look out your window, you too will be amazed by what you see.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 7/14/2008
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