www.aba.org/first-red-flanked-bluetail-in-the-eastern-aba-area/
https://ebird.org/species/refblu
It is just a wee little feathered creature not much bigger than the average warbler with a striking blue tail and red sides. And believe it or not, people from all over the country made their way to where it chose to hang out. For close to two months, a very lost Red-flanked Bluetail has called a location in New Jersey home. Normally this species ranges in Siberia stretching into Europe and as far east as Japan. With less than a dozen stray sightings into the western part of the United States, this was the first time this species was recorded present on the eastern seaboard. And wow! It sure did cause a ton of excitement in the birding world! One might think it crazy to make such a long journey traveling hours just to see a bird and a story was shared of a young birder being surprised by his father for his birthday - a trip via plane to see this bird! How awesome is that! When you live and love nature as much as I do, having the chance to see this once in a lifetime rarity was a must do! I am grateful to my friend Monica who offered to let me accompany her as we both really wanted to see this bird At 4am traveling 3.5 hours, we made the trek to try to catch a glimpse of this ultra rarity. When we arrived, it was reported that the bird was present just five minutes before and that it had left the feeding area the homeowners had set up for it. It was a nail biting nerve wracking time waiting - and hoping. The weather was not ideal with thick clouds overhead as rain was heading in later in the day. However, it didn't stem the excitement! Oh, what might this be? Our merry little band of awaiting birders rose when movement in the vegetation was noticed. But it was not the Bluetail. I trained my lens on a nearby Mockingbird which dropped in to check out the mealworm feeder on the ground as I waited and quietly watched the surrounding area wondering if the Bluetail would pop up in a different spot than expected. What is this? I see more birds moving about. Is it the Bluetail? Wait!! Wait!! Maybe!! Ugh. Nope. A Hermit Thrush and some other smaller birds made their way to the open area to feed on seeds and mealworms. We knew it had to be around in the area having already been seen. Just be patient, I kept telling myself. After a nail-biting hour of anticipation, the reward of beautiful full views of the Bluetail happened! It was absolutely wonderful to see! Camera shutters clicked dozens of photos and I came away with some nice keepers even at a high ISO and an incredibly wonderful memory. It still has not totally sunken in that I actually saw this bird! That is how much I am tickled with having had the chance to go! To the home owners, my deepest gratitude goes out to you for sharing this sighting with all of us and allowing the birding community to visit and enjoy this once in a lifetime ultra rarity. Thank you to my friend for allowing me to join her on the journey. And to the Bluetail, for whatever reason you made your way to New Jersey, thank you for letting myself and the rest of the birders see you. I will never forget the experience! Further reading: www.aba.org/first-red-flanked-bluetail-in-the-eastern-aba-area/ https://ebird.org/species/refblu #redflankedbluetail #birding #nature #wildlife #bird
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Powered by GreetingCardUniverse.com AuthorI am an artist and amateur photographer with a deep love of nature. I love horses and whales most of all, am knee deep in the model horse hobby as a painting/customizing artist, budding greeting card designer, and love watching crime drama shows as well as nature and science documentaries. Archives
December 2021
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