Following up on the Blackburnian Warblers another bright beacon in the forests of the eastern United States and Canada is the Scarlet Tanager. The bold, “bloody” red of the male is almost too much for a camera like mine to focus on. Handling so much color is difficult even for the most advanced technology and our own eyes do not usually get the opportunity to glimpse them. Though we rarely get to see too much of these canopy dwellers but here are a couple photos and HD video of cooperative birds I have been lucky to enjoy up close.
If you hear an odd-sounding American Robin with a “sore throat” chances are that it is actually one of these guys singing loudly and on territory for the summer. Even if you do not get to see them you can be happy knowing they find your yard, park or patch a suitable nesting ground.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
