Yesterday was the Noble Proctor BioBlitz Challenge at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Connecticut. Dozens and dozens of friends, conservationists and scientists hit the field to find all the forms of life they could from 8AM to dusk. Fantastic discoveries were had and wonderful memories were made on a picture perfect weather day – especially for our birds! Three adult male Scarlet Tanagers (Piranga olivacea) delighted the crowds, including this individual.
It is certainly red, but not the blood red of more typical males…as we could see in direct comparison with the birds a few feet from one another. The feathers were also orange and yellow, indicating this guy likely had or has a poor or abnormal diet, or possibly another condition. We will share more stories via photos and video over the next few weeks and list the results when the final calculations are complete. As Frank Gallo said, Noble surely would have enjoyed it himself and been proud of both the spirit and intent of all involved. We will never forget it.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
