Interesting Birds

[Steven B in PV]

How beautiful!

They are, and they have a beautiful, cheery song.  I expect the tanagers are more common in the open Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forests from JT through the Bar-k than in PV.  The birds in my photos and in John's are both second year males, hatched last year.  Next year they will have the full bright red head and throat.

 

Here are some of my Tanager shots.  I have had a pair hanging around the yard.
The other evening, the male did a little "dance routine" displaying his prowess at
flaring out his wing and tail feathers.  Mating ritual?  Or just showing OFF

Probably showing off for a female.  Most will likely begin nesting in the few weeks.  Thanks for posting the photos, John.  I'd sure like to have a pair nest here this year.