12 replies to this topic

[hahn23]

I received a request for a set of Western Tanager images. Thought I'd share the gallery with RMNPforums. Click on the image below to be taken to the gallery carousel.

[mistylady]

Such a very handsome bird! I just don't know you manage to get such incredible shots! Truly amazing! I love the ones where the baby is being fed.

[Larry]

The bird man of Rocky strikes again. An excellent collection of photos. I could select many favorites from that group.
Thanks for sharing.

Larry

[Melanie]

Wow, what a collection of pictures. What a beautiful bird. Thanks for sharing them with us!!


Melanie<><

[Mark Zemmin]

Great images of a beautiful bird. Nicely done.

Mark

[B-Jay]

Wonderful series of images! Great captures of the baby bird being fed by the adult.

B-Jay

[weatherbe]

Absolutely amazing Richard! Those are awesome shots! I love them all, especially the baby being fed. Thanks so much for sharing!

Take care,
Weather

Edited by weatherbe, 21 January 2011 - 02:29 PM.

[Scrapinator]

Beautiful! I periodically get a summer tanager who visits my feeders, but it is skittish and I've never gotten a picture of it.

[hahn23]

Just found out the images may be used on a story between Rocky Mtn NP and
Monteverde Costa Rica. One of the birds is the western tanager.

Summer in the Rockies. Winter in Mexico and Central America. This is a smart/adaptive bird.

Edited by hahn23, 21 January 2011 - 03:08 PM.

[weatherbe]

Fabulous Richard! Would love to know more about the story. Keep us updated!

Thanks!
Weather

Edited by weatherbe, 21 January 2011 - 10:27 PM.

[SandyM]

Those are awesome photos, Richard!

[dianeh85]

Sweet!!! What is that little guy doing out of his nest? I am afraid he will fall

[hahn23]

dianeh85, on 22 January 2011 - 11:03 AM, said:

Sweet!!! What is that little guy doing out of his nest? I am afraid he will fall

Western Tanagers build their nests on top of branches, away from the trunk. The fledgling did fall out of the nest, either from a too early attempt at flying, or a wind event. The feeding images are about 1' off the ground. It was interesting to me to see the male taking on the chore of continuing to feed the little guy. The female was still around, but I never saw her bring meals. I do think both parents feed the young until they leave the nest. The male was going the extra mile. A few days later I saw both parents and the maturing fledgling feeding on berries along the stream in Upper Beaver Meadows. And, then a few days later, they migrated out. It's a long ways to Costa Rica.