Painted Bunting-Whately, Mass

Within a few days of the Varied Thrush in Palmer, another rarity is found at a western Massachusetts feeding station- a Painted Bunting showed up at the home of Bill Benner & Joe Wicinski. Bill called me at work to report his latest addition to his yard list and gave me the OK to start the Hampshire Bird Club R.B.A.

Painted Buntings are rare visitors to Massachusetts, and even harder to come by in the western part of the state. In 35 years of birding, this is only my second Painted Bunting in western Mass, my first one was about five years ago in Huntington.

Over the next few days Bill & Joe opened their home to over 40+ birders throughout the state to observe their southern visitor.

The Painted Bunting was not the only show stopper at their feeding station- A beautiful male Indigo Bunting was simply stunning! Also observed...Eastern Towhee, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, and Pine Siskins- to name just a few.

A good week for rare encounters at western mass feeders...



Good Birding,

Scott




Painted Bunting-West Whately

Painted Bunting

Indigo Bunting