Summer Tanager, (Piranga rubra)
I’ve been seeing Summer Tanagers frequently the past few weeks. Since they live on insects I wonder if they’ve been feasting on the millions of cicadas that have filled our forest.

It is the only entirely red bird in North America. However, before reaching maturity the males may display a mottled look with a yellow-green mixed in. That is what you see on this bird that I photographed behind my house.

My favorite memory of Tanagers is from our wedding 31-years ago. It was held outdoors here at the PGT. During the entire ceremony a Summer Tanager kept pecking and flying at it’s reflection in the plate glass window behind us. Males are very territorial, even with their own reflection!