Sunday morning I had a couple of firsts for me...a beautiful male Scarlet
Tanager flew down onto the ground within 20-30 ft. of me into a small patch of
violets and dandelions...wow...what an incredible mix of color...scarlet,
black, violet, brilliant yellow and grass green in full sunlight. The S.T.
hopped around in the grass for several minutes to my amazement before moving to
the top a few tombstones and off into the trees. I've never seen a S.T. on the
ground before.
The other sighting, perhaps my first ever (or I don't recall) of an Orange
Crowned Warbler (I haven't kept a list in a number of years) , a very close
view at eye level within 10-15 ft. of me seen at the Scattering Garden. A very
distinct gray head, dark line from bill through the eye and the yellow
undertail coverts and foraging in the low branches...it was a keeper to me.
I enjoy group birding, however, some of my most memorable sightings occur when
I'm solo and walk/stalk at a very slow, quiet pace.
Mark Morgan
Lexington
