I thought I would share my painted bunting story- see my photo on my profile-
I lived in Maryland -far to northerly fro PBs but for 2 winters I had one that visited our feeders- the 1st year I did not realise how strange this was so it was not a registered sighting, but the following year the excitement was great. A local enthusiast set up a bird cam and we got some great photos of the PB as well as other local birds. The nicest thing was that i sat in my living room or my kitchen and had clear views of this colourful little fellow just a few feet away - what a treat. Twitchers came from 4 different states to see this bird. as we backed onto a cycle trail they set up cameras down there and the little bird did them proud. I went to a ryouth ugby match and got talking to a parent there who lived in DC -about 25 miles away - and she said "oh I have heard there is a painted bunting showing up near by"- she was most shocked when I said indeed there was and it was in my garden!! We sold our house that year and moved back to UK, but my neighbour has not seen it since. incidentally just for a laugh the house details for selling the house listed a "rare painted bunting-conveys with house"!
Oh, fabulous! Gorgeous bird too. I just commented on your avatar in your Peregrine thread :)
There has been an Oriental Turtle Dove hanging out in an Oxfordshire garden over the last couple of months. The owners have had an 'open house' a few hours a day for the many twitchers, and they charge an entry fee, which they donate to BirdLife Malta :)
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
Tee hee fab story!
Indeed, the rufous/oriental turtle dove is just like an hour away from me, yet I haven't twitched it. But apparently the bird costs 5 pounds and over 2000 pounds have been raised for BirdLife Malta. If it was free then I might have bothered to go but to be honest I've seen millions in Japan so I suppose I can't be bothered anyway.... :)
'Dip a dee dah, dip a dee ay, we're not seeing any birds to-day...'
Great story!
Thanks for sharing!
:o)
Much love and smile always!
xXx~oOo!
http://www.500birdsin365days.blogspot.com/
Darcy N said: Tee hee fab story! Indeed, the rufous/oriental turtle dove is just like an hour away from me, yet I haven't twitched it. But apparently the bird costs 5 pounds and over 2000 pounds have been raised for BirdLife Malta. If it was free then I might have bothered to go but to be honest I've seen millions in Japan so I suppose I can't be bothered anyway.... :)
Hi Tern
I also considered it, but also decided to not be bothered. I didn't know it was still there
Best wishes Chris
Click Here to see my photos
Hi TJ
What an interesting Painted Bunting story. :-)