Scarlet tanager in my yard, wow!

Out feeding the hungry woodpeckers and checking on the chickadee nest just a little while ago, when I saw this scarlet tanager. Very obvious at first glance that it wasn't a cardinal, because the red is so vivid. I have learned to keep my camera at the ready, and also to hand hold the 500 in situations like this. I quickly ran inside and grabbed it, and was rewarded with some nice poses. This is at least the 4th new yard bird (#53) and life bird for me within the last month. What a privilege to see this guy!

Gorgeous shots Liz!! I've never seen one of these, other than what's posted on here....thanks for sharing.


Sharon

great shots, Liz. He/she appears to be quite at home in your yard. I only see them on their way out of town here, but they are a wonder.

Beautiful shots Liz and congratulations on adding a new bird to your list. We've had some sightings around here but I still haven't seen a scarlet tanager. That first shot is perfect Liz and you must do lots of curls to hand hold your 500 so well

Absolutely love the first and last photo. Beautiful colors and you captured it well.

Great quality shots Liz. The first and third ones have my votes since I prefer images in totally natural settings.
Bob

Beautiful shots Liz. Lucky you to have gotten some off. With any luck, he'll like your food and hang out in your yard.

Great shots, and what a pleasure to have such a pretty visitor.

Great shots of a beautiful bird! Really like the first one.

You certainly made the best of the situation! Congrats on capturing a beautiful bird, beautifully!

Oh I want one, Great capture Liz!!!

Super shots, Liz! Wow..wish I had gotten this close to the one I saw.
Karen

Shar824 wrote in post #5510509
Gorgeous shots Liz!! I've never seen one of these, other than what's posted on here....thanks for sharing.


Sharon

Thanks, today was a first for me. Amazed that not only did I happen to see it, pure chance that I was out there when he was, but also was able to get a few photos!

nwyman wrote in post #5510561
great shots, Liz. He/she appears to be quite at home in your yard. I only see them on their way out of town here, but they are a wonder.

Thanks, it was great to see him and I hope he does feel at home here because I'd love for him to stick around!

sugarzebra wrote in post #5510585
Beautiful shots Liz and congratulations on adding a new bird to your list. We've had some sightings around here but I still haven't seen a scarlet tanager. That first shot is perfect Liz and you must do lots of curls to hand hold your 500 so well

Heh, thanks. I have been doing some weightlifting so that must be the trick.

Duane N wrote in post #5510645
Absolutely love the first and last photo. Beautiful colors and you captured it well.

Thanks, it was all very exciting! Hopefully it won't be the last time I get a chance to photograph him.

Snow Goose wrote in post #5510681
Great quality shots Liz. The first and third ones have my votes since I prefer images in totally natural settings.
Bob

Thanks, I totally agree! When he was on the power line he was almost right above me so that was the closest I saw him.

canonloader wrote in post #5510690
Beautiful shots Liz. Lucky you to have gotten some off. With any luck, he'll like your food and hang out in your yard.

Thanks, he seemed to be enjoying the bugs he found on the ground. He would sit on a perch, then go down to the grass to catch a bug.

andrewhuxman wrote in post #5510713
Great shots, and what a pleasure to have such a pretty visitor.

Thanks, it was definitely a pleasure and a nice surprise!

Dord wrote in post #5511987
Great shots of a beautiful bird! Really like the first one.

Thanks, can't go wrong with a bird this beautiful!

csquared63 wrote in post #5512011
You certainly made the best of the situation! Congrats on capturing a beautiful bird, beautifully!

Thanks, I'm glad he was in a cooperative mood.

hTr wrote in post #5512025
Oh I want one, Great capture Liz!!!

Heh, sometimes good things happen when you least expect it!

pttenn wrote in post #5512148
Super shots, Liz! Wow..wish I had gotten this close to the one I saw.
Karen

Thanks, it was total good luck that he was there and I was in the right spot at the right time! It's days like this that keep me going when I get frustrated with bird photography!

Spectacular colors!! Well done

Lubbly shots!

Dave