Western Tanager male at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Western Tanager male in breeding plumage

This is the only bird I could find in my files that had the same colors of the Flaming Hibiscus I posted earlier this morning and since I didn’t want this to be a birdless day on On The Wing Photography I worked this Western Tanager file up in a hurry.

This Western Tanager was photographed last summer at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in the Centennial Valley of Beaverhead County, Montana. I sure wish I had been able to get closer to this flame-colored bird, the cows there allowed me to get much closer.

Have a super day!

Mia

Click here to see more of my Western Tanager photos plus facts and information about this species.

By Mia McPherson|February 7th, 2013|Categories: Beaverhead County, Birds, Centennial Valley, Montana, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Western Tanagers|Tags: adult, bird photography, breeding plumage, flame-colored, male, perching birds, Piranga ludoviciana, Western Tanager|35 Comments

35 Comments

Hummingbird Lover February 10, 2013 at 8:13 am

Hi! What a beautiful bird! You bring out the colors so great and the image glows! Have fun shooting today!
Tammy Karr February 8, 2013 at 7:48 pm

Wow, the flaming Hibiscus and Tanager are both incredible! Leave to you to find a bird that matching the gorgeous blossom!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:25 am
  
  Thanks Tammy
Eileen February 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

I just love these birds, they are so pretty. The colors are gorgeous. Lovely photo, Mia!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:20 am
  
  Thanks Eileen 🙂
Karen Bonsell February 8, 2013 at 8:03 am

Wow Mia, that is one beautiful bird! You got a great shot!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:11 am
  
  Thank you Karen.
Julie Brown February 8, 2013 at 3:34 am

He is a beauty! I am always excited to see this species when I am in the west.
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:09 am
  
  Thank you Julie!
M. Firpi February 7, 2013 at 5:35 pm

And you’re right, its colors ARE the same as those of the Hibiscus!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:09 am
  
  Thanks Maria
Sam Brunson February 7, 2013 at 4:28 pm

Great photo!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:08 am
  
  Thanks so much Sam!
Kathie February 7, 2013 at 4:04 pm

What a bright spot of sunshine on a cold winter’s day! Lovely shot!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:07 am
  
  Thank you Kathie, it shouldn’t be too long before I see these beautiful birds again.
Sally Wood February 7, 2013 at 2:41 pm

Beautiful! Pretty little fellow!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:06 am
  
  Thank you Sally
Rohrerbot February 7, 2013 at 1:34 pm

Very nice! Western Tanagers are tricky:)
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:06 am
  
  Thanks Chris!
Bob Bushell February 7, 2013 at 1:22 pm

Beauty and colourful bird, I love it.
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:06 am
  
  Thank you Bob
Merrill Ann Gonzales February 7, 2013 at 1:04 pm

The funny thing is the only tanagers I ever saw were at the same place we had the hibiscus. While I saw the scarlet tanager both male and female … coming across them surely is astonishing. I’m always surprised at how hard it was to see them even though the male was so brightly colored… but I didn’t realize it was there till I was right under it. It’s one of my fondest bird memories… to come across both the male and the female.
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:05 am
  
  Merrill, in my experiences with Summer and Scarlet Tanagers they always seemed to stay hidden in the foliage of the trees they were in which does make it a challenge to spot them. It also can make it difficult to get decent images of them as well.
eric c11 February 7, 2013 at 11:35 am

very nice ☺
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:02 am
  
  Thank you Eric.
Robert Mortensen February 7, 2013 at 8:32 am

You make me long for Spring!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:02 am
  
  It will be here before long Robert (yes; I have my fingers crossed!)
Tami February 7, 2013 at 8:05 am

Love the bright colors against the soft greens, Mia. I’ve never seen one of these… beautiful.
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:01 am
  
  Thanks much Tami!
Sherry in MT February 7, 2013 at 7:27 am

I know we have these around but mostly on the other side of the divide. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one in person though as others have. I love the colors, bright and cheery.
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:01 am
  
  I hope you will get to see a Western Tanager Sherry, they kind of take my breath away.
Beverly Everson February 7, 2013 at 7:19 am

Gorgeous!!!
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 5:59 am
  
  Thank you Beverly.
John Randall February 7, 2013 at 7:48 am

Thank you for sharing these photos Mia.It makes me hopeful for Spring.
- Mia McPherson February 9, 2013 at 6:01 am
  
  A pleasure John!

Comments are closed.

Western Tanager male at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

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35 Comments