Yesterday I spent some time in a quiet corner of Magnolia Plantation where pine forest and marshland come together. There is a small field that is kept mowed around a few scraggly trees, perfect for a Summer Tanager to hunt for bugs.

I watched this one flit back and forth in the higher tree branches until he took a break down closer to the ground.

These images are beautiful!
Thank you, David! I had almost given up when he landed in this tree which turned out to have a nice background.
Gotta LOVE the tanager boy’s colour!
Yes, indeed, Liz! It is quite bright and amazing he could slip into a tree and disappear under the leaves.
Probably the most elusive bird in my “life book”.
I’m always seeing a flash of red disappearing into the brush, and I’m left saying “Was that a Tanager?”
Glad to finally see one up close.
It will help me with the I.D.
If I ever see one!
Paz
I was quite surprised he sat right there, Paz. I had watched him flit around in the tree tops, also not quite sure what it was at first. There are a lot of Cardinals in that area, which while a neat bird it was cool to get something different. While you are looking remember the female is duller but you may see her first.
Lovely!
Thank you, Belinda!
A beautiful bird! Very nice photos!
Thank you, Rebecca!