This afternoon I heard a call coming from high up in the oak and hickory canopy of Norris Woods, one of the oldest growth forests in our area, although that's not saying much. Many of our Illinois woodlands were timbered over a hundred or two years ago, yet there remain some small tracts evidencing trees worthy of being called "old growth." Those trees sprout buds in late April and early May, when the first warblers and songbirds arrive on migration. I didn't recognize the call I heard, so I opened my new downloaded Merlin app and opened its ears. It suggested both a Summer tanager and a Hairy woodpecker. I knew the Hairy's call notes by heart, so I checked my Sibley's bird app, played the Summer tanager calls, and sure enough, that was the bird. That shows you why birding is a lifelong learning activity. I'd heard these tanagers sing before, but that was just a few years ago at Bliss Woods near our home. I'd been frustrated never seeing this tanager in Illinois before, so I played the call on the Sibley app and headed out to the woods to see if I could match it up. Sure enough, that day I heard and saw a Summer tanager. Nemesis bird no more. Yet this find today was just as joyful. It's amazing to know that these birds were in Central and South America just a few weeks ago. They will feed and nest here this summer, and head back in late August. They take no chances on losing food supplies as they feed on insects and worms. While the bird stayed high up in the trees today, I was able to capture a few reasonably clear photos. Beautiful, strawberry-red birds!

There's a fact about blue birds (of any kind) that may surprise you. They're not really blue. Not like you might think, anyway. Their feathers capture all light spectrum, releasing only blue, so it's rather an illusion. But let's talk about bluebirds, the species. Specifically, Eastern bluebirds. There are Western bluebirds in North America, and Mountain bluebirds where you might expect to find them, high in alpine conditions in Colorado and other states. Those are both beautiful species too. Eastern bluebirds are the kind of unreal blue I really love. It's always been my favorite color since I was a child. I even liked blue Christmas lights the best. Yet that doesn't make it any easier to paint them. Bluebird blue falls into its own category, and it takes some paint mixing in watercolor or acrylic to create something resembling the correct color. Fifty years ago when I started birding, Eastern bluebirds were hurting as a species. Thanks to thousands of volunteers across the country, they're back! I love photographing them whenever I find them, and these days, it's thankfully quite often. Their modest calls are barely musical, but charming. I hope you enjoy them too. Look for them in open woodlands and forest preserves where big oaks offer them places to perch, fly down and catch bugs. The females are slightly less blue, and still pretty. They sometimes stay the winter here in Illinois, and their appearance when the snows first melt is a first sign of spring, a moment I captured in this painting. I've also shared a short video of a bluebird calling at Elburn Forest Preserve.

I looked out the window to find a house sparrow project gone wrong. I’ve seen overstuffed bird nests before, but this one beats all. I don’t know what the plan was here. Perhaps a sparrow with ADHD like me? Or else someone in the residence is a hoarder sparrow who can’t stand to give away good material? Or perhaps there’s a subplot. House sparrows often compete with house wrens for nesting boxes. Some wrens will make multiple nests just to keep other birds out. It’s all messy business in some corners of the bird world. #birds #birders #sparrows #bird

One of North America’s all-white egret species is best identified by its bright yellow feet.

The wetland behind our home is busy with water birds of many kinds this spring. I took photos of the coots feeding in the shallows backing up to our home. They are quite beautiful birds when you take a moment to admire their black and grey plumage at close range. Their white bill is visible from quite a distance, and along with their bobbing swim motion makes them easy to identify from far away. Their voices are a mix of cackling notes and calls, which is perhaps why they're the source of the phrase "You Old Coot..." as described in this AI summary of that idiom's origins: You old coot" is an informal, often affectionate or mildly derogatory phrase used to describe an old man who is considered eccentric, stubborn, crotchety, or set in his ways. It typically implies someone who is harmless but cranky or simple. The term stems from a "coot" being a type of waterbird, with usage dating back to the 1700s. Key Aspects of "Old Coot" - Definition: A slang term for an old person, especially a man. - Characteristics: Often used to describe someone stubborn, eccentric, touchy, or possessing a negative outlook. - Usage Context: It can be used as a good-natured, playful jibe among friends or as a grumpier, slightly insulting remark. - Origin: It derives from a bird (the American Coot), which was historically considered a simple or "foolish" bird. There you go! If you like The Art of Birding please share with your network. Let's grow this community!