Scarlet Tanager.....No. 23, Crossed Wing Collection

The male of the pair of Scarlet Tanagers who maintain a summer home in our woods announces their arrival each May by making an appearance at our backyard pond. But then, after being conspicuous for a day or two, he retreats to the woods and the company of his mate, to be heard often but seen seldom for the remainder of summer.

Now, I know robins or swallows are supposed to signal that reawakening called Spring, but we await the tanagers. Seeing that flash of vibrant red completes the circle. They made it back so South America, found their winter home intact, and enough to eat, and then returned to us. The wildflowers bloom in celebration.