17 Comments
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Ray Zimmerman's avatar

Thanks especially for the photo of the Indigo Bunting. I saw one yesterday.

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed the post! And saw an indigo bunting. They are always exciting to see.

Janisse Ray's avatar

I learn so much from you. A forked scorpionfly!!!

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

Thank you for the restack! I have seen those scorpionflies a lot in the mountains but that weekend was the first time I saw their tails curled like that and understood the name.

Leah Rampy's avatar

Beautiful, beautiful! Thank you for these eye-opening photos.

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

Thank you!

Mary Dansak's avatar

Gorgeous photos. I have NEVER seen an Indigo Bunting. Bucket list bird. I love your eye for the tinies. Thank you!

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

Thank you! I think I most often see and hear them in open areas, like meadows and grasslands near forests. They have a distinct song that kind of sounds like someone asking a bunch of questions in pairs like "what what? where where?" This is what Cornell has to say: "Notes or phrases are often repeated in pairs: 'what! what! where? where? see it! see it!'"

So if you hear that in an open area, keep a lookout for bright blue! I hope you get to see one soon because they are so lovely. (I'm pretty sure I see blue grosbeaks, their cousins, in the same kinds of areas, and those are also nice to see.)

Mary Dansak's avatar

Thanks for the tips!!

MK Creel's avatar

beautiful photos, as always

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

Thank you!

Lewis Holmes's avatar

Wonderful photos. I particularly like the robber fly and scorpionfly, nice work

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

Thank you! I was THRILLED to see that robber fly. I'm pleasantly surprised that so many people like the scorpionfly, because I am so used to people thinking bugs are gross, especially if they look "scary."

Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Breathtaking!

Sarah Kelsey's avatar

Thank you!

Jess B a.southern.naturalist's avatar

Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing this adventure 🌱

CJ's avatar

Forked scorpionfly, intriguing! Lovely, tender bits of life.💞🙌