Sussex County Painted Bunting 2/6/15

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~Painted Bunting in Andover, NJ, as seen from the Sussex Branch Trail, 2/6/15.~

QUICK POST: I bolted out of work to run for the PAINTED BUNTING that had been reported in Sussex County, New Jersey. Since it was Friday, the traffic was miserable and I got to Andover a little on the late side (I didn’t think I would ever get there!). I located the bird with the help of  Denis, the only other birder present. It was his first time seeing the bird in New Jersey, and for me it was life bird #316. And what a beautiful bird at that, really it’s hard to believe this bird unless you see it. The bird only came to the feeder one time while I was there, but he spent a good amount of time there before finding a nearby perch. I wish the light had been better for photos, but that’s the way it goes some times. What a super bird and a very nice way to end the week.  Thanks to Linda Scrima, Maria Loukeris, and Marianne Ofenloch for the heads up about the bird and for the details on how to locate him.

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~Grainy shot of the Painted Bunting perched, not too far from the feeder. Sussex Branch Trail in Andover NJ, 2/6/15.~

14 thoughts on “Sussex County Painted Bunting 2/6/15”

    1. Sorry Deb, but not even close for me. Give me the Gyrfalcon any day! Good luck if you go for it tomorrow. Matt

  1. WOW, Matt
    That is so fabulous. I didn’t know they were ever around this area at all. He is so beautiful.

    I am glad you took the leap of faith to find it!!!
    Wilma

  2. Love the contrast of the barren winter branches with the brilliant patchwork colors of the Bunting! Congratulations on getting this wonderful life bird.

    1. Thanks Kathy! I was happy to get some shots of him off the feeder, even if they are a bit distant. Matt

    1. Jeff – it looks like it has for sure. I’m not sure how long folks have been seeing it there… Matt

  3. Congrats! So glad you got to see it! It’ll probably be a mob scene there this weekend; poor birds! Are you going to hunt the Gyr this weekend? Too bad you didn’t get it during one of your many “blind times”…I figured you’d be the one to find something in that area! 🙂

    1. Thanks for the email about the bird Marianne! I am doing a Golden Eagle Survey this morning, but I will certainly try for the Gyrfalcon later or tomorrow. I was jealous of the find, but the woman who found it is out there just about every day from what I can tell. Matt

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