Area birders thrilled to see indigo bunting

HOLDEN – Last week at Fields Pond Audubon Center, a male indigo bunting showed up at the bird feeder. The size of a sparrow, he was a spectacular shade of blue, especially when he was in the sun. He was not the sky blue of a bluebird; nor did he have the orange chest or white belly of a bluebird. He was a darker shade of blue all over.

Visitors could not take their eyes off him. He was not an everyday bird.

We got about eight phone calls that week from other people in the Bangor area who were thrilled and overjoyed to have an indigo bunting at their feeder. For all, it was a first. They were amazed at the beauty of the little bird, and they were delighted that they were able to identify it unequivocally.

Indigo buntings were also found on recent Audubon bird walks, delighting the participants.

These little blue beauties arrive in late May and early June from wintering in southern Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. Feeders help them stoke up from the long trip. They don’t typically stay long at feeders; they stake out a territory in a shrubby field, often on a hillside.

If you want to see an indigo bunting now, go to that habitat, and look carefully at the tops of shrubs or small trees for a dark little bird. Listen for a raspy little voice that sings with the rhythm and intonation of double notes: “Fire fire, where where, here here.” You have found a male indigo bunting.

It is likely that a female is around, too. She is more discreet – an even brown all over. She tends to stay within the foliage, not at the tops of shrubs and small trees. When she comes to a feeder, she often stumps the person who seeks to identify her. It has survival value for her, her nest, and her young, to be discreet.

Let the splendid male attract the attention – he is a beauty. But let’s not call the female “drab” or “dull.” Let’s say she is discreet and well-camouflaged.

For information on Fields Pond Audubon Center, call 989-2591.