These feathered divas seem to be the cats of the bird world ... only showing up when you don't expect them, and ignoring the advances of anyone foolish enough to show any interest whatsoever.
Thank you for telling the story of your relationship with these camera shy birds with such style and humor. And thanks for hanging in there so you could capture the photos you did. They are gorgeous!!
I like how you've framed this, Jamie. Definitely nailed in on the 'could not care less' front, but unlike those ennui cats who simply love to lounge about, occasionally flicking their tails in petulant disgust, while ignoring you, all of the Lazulis I've met are anything but layabouts. Their diligence and ever watchful eyes are most impressive. Thanks for making time to offer such a smile, and for your kind encouragements.
Thank you for your patience. In my world, it's worth it. That you do such is, I'm sure, it's own reward. But, please do not take lightly the posting of this beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed this montage of birdery this morning. Here in the Eastern suburbs of Pennsylvania we get some beautiful local birds that delight me daily. I have a bath in the yard and love watching them clean and green. That said, confidence is high, unfortunately, that my eyes will never connect with that of these bunting. You expand my world. Again, thank you and keep up! Peace, love & understanding.
Long episodes, all uncomfortable and never completed, of chasing Kingfishers come to mind! Obviously you are a modern day Dr Dolittle dear David... these are exquisite and I am quite an insane shade of green which I truly hope will fade by morning because my students will think I am The Hulk! But it's quite obvious really, where I am going wrong, I didn't have a picnic table to snooze upon while waiting - next time!
May your days be always blessed by the eyes of Lazuli.
"But it's quite obvious really, where I am going wrong, I didn't have a picnic table to snooze upon while waiting - next time!"
I love this response. "Next time" is so full of hope, so forward thinking. And yes, my friend, it is quite amazing, the disarming power of a nap upon the creatures whose homes you have tarried beside and the place, itself. We all understand sleep, I think. Birds and mammals, and even, I sometimes sense, the energetic presence of a space. Somehow, dropping down into sleep quiets your energy and allows it to align more complimentarily with the energies of others. You don't seem so scary, asleep, and your awake mind isn't busy chattering a steady stream of frets and nonsense, so your soul can quiet and settle, plug into the conversation all around you.
Either that or I am a complete charlatan and fool, which of course is certainly a possibility.
Love the pictures of the little songbird. You must have the patience of Jobe to be able to get such magnificent photos of this little bird and of the baby birds i your prior story which I read. I find your descriptions so detailed I feel like I am right there. Thank you for this
Ah, maybe one needs to actually wear turquoise, like a secret code, or a Freemason’s ring. I am unable to prove my hypothesis, as I only have the privilege of seeing the Indigo Bunting. Not sure if they have the same character traits , but they must know my lowly IPhone is no match for their prowess .I could lend you a turquoise ring , slipped on a cord to wear around your neck . Let me know if you’re interested. Not only are you the master of words, king of the deft mud and brush crawlers, a human sun, radiating calm and kind, you are the man with the magical camera and a bird’s eye view.
I am not sure which is brighter, the Lazuli Bunting or the blue blue ski on a cloudless day. I think I shall err on the side of caution and wear sun glasses for both.
Ok, I trust you will document with field notes and photographs verifying your use of turquoise .Hey! I’ll do the grunt work and we can submit the results to the NSF (National Science Foundation) for grant funding. Oh, wait a minute, shit, Trump cut any funding that might be considered diversity, equity and inclusion (see below).
Hard to say if they are shy, they like to sing from the very top branch, of a very tall tree. Usually leafless, even at that distance and without Binos they are extremely visible. Funny you mentioned your merit badge, I was a camper in the Adirondacks , and still have my felt sew-on badge for Arts and Crafts, very appropriate, maybe I should sew it on my ripped knee of my jeans (still the hippie). Glad you mentioned it, actually, I think I will !
Unfortunately they did not offer Ornithology back in the day. I had to wait until high school for my first exposure to the world of birds, even had a field trip to a Great Blue Heron Rookery.
Speaking of Indigo Buntings, I just finished reading this article you might like , and check out the rest of the magazine online;
Coincidentally, I was writing about the grant funding as a joke, and then a light bulb turned on somewhere, and I decided to do a quick search, thinking the impossible was quite possible…WTF it is;
What magic is this, dear Lor, an entire picnic of treats in one kind note?
I do have a couple of turquoise bolo ties, one of which, I fell in love with the moment I saw it and still absolutely adore. It has such kind, calm juju. Hadn't thought to wear it while hanging with the birdies, but I do see your point. An excellent experiment, perchance.
I remember Indigo Buntings from my former life as a kid, a week in the summer at Indian Creek Youth Camp in Tennessee. Earned my ornithology merit badge that week, as I recall. Can't remember much about their habits. Are they a shy seeming as their turquoise and rust cousins?
I am once again utterly delighted by one of your playful notes. Thank you. My morning feels lighter by half and I am most grateful.
Well now, I don’t feel so bad about this quest of mine to see this bird! There’s a wildlife refuge (translation: water treatment plant with a trail) a short walk from my house and the sign includes a picture of a Lazuli Bunting, leading me to the apparently highly unrealistic expectation that I will ever see said bird. Hell, I’ve never even heard it (or at least Merlin has never told me I have). I think I’ll just stay content communing with the Common Yellowthroats and all the other wonderful birds.
Tom, Tom ...Tom, don't listen too closely to an old fool like me.
Somehow I have left you with the impression that it is an "...apparently highly unrealistic expectation that (you), will ever see said bird," which is nonsense on my part. They're not hard to see. They practically glow. And on my most recent desert river canyon foray a few weeks back, I'm sure I was seeing/hearing maybe as many as twenty a day. Their songs carry wonderfully on the wind, as they are designed to do. (Territoriality and mate attraction, and all that...) They are not difficult to see in places where they hang out. They are just damned hard to see up close. They can pull a Houdini on you while you glance down at your boot to make sure you're not about to step on a rattlesnake, or aiming to swat a mosquito. If you're communing with Yellowthroats, you have plenty of bird juju to see Lazulis if they're around. Just bring your binoculars and prepare yourself for some turquoise magic. Happy hunting, sir.
And again, my apologies if I've discouraged your ambitions.
I'm ever more representative of a doddering old storytelling fool.
Ah, no worries at all. If you're seeing them in dry-side environments like you describe, I suspect that they just may not be around here in the Snohomish River estuarine environment. I sure enjoyed your pictures.
The guy who leads the Thursday morning bird walk at Marymoor Park each week says they see them there pretty regularly in summer and I have a friend who, in addition to being one of the most astute and passionate naturalists I know, also runs a vegetable truck farm down near Auburn, where she recently wrote of Lazulis singing and laying claim to territories. I'd bet they're there around the Snohomish. Definitely worth a bit of searching.
The picnic bench snoozing incidents you mention make me wonder whether the are perhaps, little tricksters who pay great attention to your attention and enjoy their little joke of waiting until you sleep to get close. Brilliantly entertaining, dear David 💛
Oh, Emily, I think you've nailed it. When I awake to see one of them peering down at me from above, I know I've been played. But what joy to get to play, to be allowed any such interactions with such a wild and wiley being.
I love your kind note and am gladdened that it found a responding chord in your funny bone, my friend.
I must visit you more often. Your luscious words and photos help to cleanse my heart and soul. I am a warrior for justice and mercy, and you help me lay down my sword and just breathe before I re-enter the fray.💙
It is one of my favorite places to doze off, Douglas, with a breeze rustling those sandpapery, hackberry leaves and the singing of the river in the near distance.
Absolutely beautiful photos, and I don’t think it’s just luck that you can get the shots………you are magic!
You are very kind, Patrice. Thank you.
These feathered divas seem to be the cats of the bird world ... only showing up when you don't expect them, and ignoring the advances of anyone foolish enough to show any interest whatsoever.
Thank you for telling the story of your relationship with these camera shy birds with such style and humor. And thanks for hanging in there so you could capture the photos you did. They are gorgeous!!
I like how you've framed this, Jamie. Definitely nailed in on the 'could not care less' front, but unlike those ennui cats who simply love to lounge about, occasionally flicking their tails in petulant disgust, while ignoring you, all of the Lazulis I've met are anything but layabouts. Their diligence and ever watchful eyes are most impressive. Thanks for making time to offer such a smile, and for your kind encouragements.
David,
Thank you for your patience. In my world, it's worth it. That you do such is, I'm sure, it's own reward. But, please do not take lightly the posting of this beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed this montage of birdery this morning. Here in the Eastern suburbs of Pennsylvania we get some beautiful local birds that delight me daily. I have a bath in the yard and love watching them clean and green. That said, confidence is high, unfortunately, that my eyes will never connect with that of these bunting. You expand my world. Again, thank you and keep up! Peace, love & understanding.
David
Dear DMC,
I am smiling and ever so grateful. What a lovely, encouraging note.
And thank you for the reminder that the waves we make reach shores we will never see.
The nuances of dancing with birds is a magical thing, when you’re open, it’s beautiful🧚🏼♀️
I know that you know…
Long episodes, all uncomfortable and never completed, of chasing Kingfishers come to mind! Obviously you are a modern day Dr Dolittle dear David... these are exquisite and I am quite an insane shade of green which I truly hope will fade by morning because my students will think I am The Hulk! But it's quite obvious really, where I am going wrong, I didn't have a picnic table to snooze upon while waiting - next time!
May your days be always blessed by the eyes of Lazuli.
"But it's quite obvious really, where I am going wrong, I didn't have a picnic table to snooze upon while waiting - next time!"
I love this response. "Next time" is so full of hope, so forward thinking. And yes, my friend, it is quite amazing, the disarming power of a nap upon the creatures whose homes you have tarried beside and the place, itself. We all understand sleep, I think. Birds and mammals, and even, I sometimes sense, the energetic presence of a space. Somehow, dropping down into sleep quiets your energy and allows it to align more complimentarily with the energies of others. You don't seem so scary, asleep, and your awake mind isn't busy chattering a steady stream of frets and nonsense, so your soul can quiet and settle, plug into the conversation all around you.
Either that or I am a complete charlatan and fool, which of course is certainly a possibility.
David, exquisite photos, thank you. 🙏
You are most welcome, Vincent.
Congratulations! What a treat!!
Love the pictures of the little songbird. You must have the patience of Jobe to be able to get such magnificent photos of this little bird and of the baby birds i your prior story which I read. I find your descriptions so detailed I feel like I am right there. Thank you for this
“There is a thin, azul line…”
Ah, maybe one needs to actually wear turquoise, like a secret code, or a Freemason’s ring. I am unable to prove my hypothesis, as I only have the privilege of seeing the Indigo Bunting. Not sure if they have the same character traits , but they must know my lowly IPhone is no match for their prowess .I could lend you a turquoise ring , slipped on a cord to wear around your neck . Let me know if you’re interested. Not only are you the master of words, king of the deft mud and brush crawlers, a human sun, radiating calm and kind, you are the man with the magical camera and a bird’s eye view.
I am not sure which is brighter, the Lazuli Bunting or the blue blue ski on a cloudless day. I think I shall err on the side of caution and wear sun glasses for both.
Ok, I trust you will document with field notes and photographs verifying your use of turquoise .Hey! I’ll do the grunt work and we can submit the results to the NSF (National Science Foundation) for grant funding. Oh, wait a minute, shit, Trump cut any funding that might be considered diversity, equity and inclusion (see below).
Hard to say if they are shy, they like to sing from the very top branch, of a very tall tree. Usually leafless, even at that distance and without Binos they are extremely visible. Funny you mentioned your merit badge, I was a camper in the Adirondacks , and still have my felt sew-on badge for Arts and Crafts, very appropriate, maybe I should sew it on my ripped knee of my jeans (still the hippie). Glad you mentioned it, actually, I think I will !
Unfortunately they did not offer Ornithology back in the day. I had to wait until high school for my first exposure to the world of birds, even had a field trip to a Great Blue Heron Rookery.
Speaking of Indigo Buntings, I just finished reading this article you might like , and check out the rest of the magazine online;
https://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/indigo-buntings
Coincidentally, I was writing about the grant funding as a joke, and then a light bulb turned on somewhere, and I decided to do a quick search, thinking the impossible was quite possible…WTF it is;
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-04-24/trump-science-cuts-roil-university-labs-targeting-bird-feeder-research-ai-literacy-work-and-more
What magic is this, dear Lor, an entire picnic of treats in one kind note?
I do have a couple of turquoise bolo ties, one of which, I fell in love with the moment I saw it and still absolutely adore. It has such kind, calm juju. Hadn't thought to wear it while hanging with the birdies, but I do see your point. An excellent experiment, perchance.
I remember Indigo Buntings from my former life as a kid, a week in the summer at Indian Creek Youth Camp in Tennessee. Earned my ornithology merit badge that week, as I recall. Can't remember much about their habits. Are they a shy seeming as their turquoise and rust cousins?
I am once again utterly delighted by one of your playful notes. Thank you. My morning feels lighter by half and I am most grateful.
Daveroo
Well now, I don’t feel so bad about this quest of mine to see this bird! There’s a wildlife refuge (translation: water treatment plant with a trail) a short walk from my house and the sign includes a picture of a Lazuli Bunting, leading me to the apparently highly unrealistic expectation that I will ever see said bird. Hell, I’ve never even heard it (or at least Merlin has never told me I have). I think I’ll just stay content communing with the Common Yellowthroats and all the other wonderful birds.
Tom, Tom ...Tom, don't listen too closely to an old fool like me.
Somehow I have left you with the impression that it is an "...apparently highly unrealistic expectation that (you), will ever see said bird," which is nonsense on my part. They're not hard to see. They practically glow. And on my most recent desert river canyon foray a few weeks back, I'm sure I was seeing/hearing maybe as many as twenty a day. Their songs carry wonderfully on the wind, as they are designed to do. (Territoriality and mate attraction, and all that...) They are not difficult to see in places where they hang out. They are just damned hard to see up close. They can pull a Houdini on you while you glance down at your boot to make sure you're not about to step on a rattlesnake, or aiming to swat a mosquito. If you're communing with Yellowthroats, you have plenty of bird juju to see Lazulis if they're around. Just bring your binoculars and prepare yourself for some turquoise magic. Happy hunting, sir.
And again, my apologies if I've discouraged your ambitions.
I'm ever more representative of a doddering old storytelling fool.
Ah, no worries at all. If you're seeing them in dry-side environments like you describe, I suspect that they just may not be around here in the Snohomish River estuarine environment. I sure enjoyed your pictures.
Thank you for that. I’d love to see one … there are too few blue birds in the world for this boy.
Same!
The guy who leads the Thursday morning bird walk at Marymoor Park each week says they see them there pretty regularly in summer and I have a friend who, in addition to being one of the most astute and passionate naturalists I know, also runs a vegetable truck farm down near Auburn, where she recently wrote of Lazulis singing and laying claim to territories. I'd bet they're there around the Snohomish. Definitely worth a bit of searching.
The picnic bench snoozing incidents you mention make me wonder whether the are perhaps, little tricksters who pay great attention to your attention and enjoy their little joke of waiting until you sleep to get close. Brilliantly entertaining, dear David 💛
Oh, Emily, I think you've nailed it. When I awake to see one of them peering down at me from above, I know I've been played. But what joy to get to play, to be allowed any such interactions with such a wild and wiley being.
I love your kind note and am gladdened that it found a responding chord in your funny bone, my friend.
I so enjoyed reading this, I'm not familiar with lazuli buntings, but you have really sketched out their character. Thank you!
I’m so pleased, Julie. I hope you get to meet one of these little songster gems one day. Thank you for the kind note.
I must visit you more often. Your luscious words and photos help to cleanse my heart and soul. I am a warrior for justice and mercy, and you help me lay down my sword and just breathe before I re-enter the fray.💙
Dear Queen, I’m touched by the thought of you finding respite here. May your battles be holy and kind.
They are wholly kind. My sword is made of love tempered by the steel of truth.💙💙💙
🙏
Glorious. Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my phone.
Beautiful images and words. I see you "napping atop a picnic table in the shade of a western hackberry" on a summer day in the woods.
It is one of my favorite places to doze off, Douglas, with a breeze rustling those sandpapery, hackberry leaves and the singing of the river in the near distance.
Their beauty inspires such devotion, absolutely!
I see that you understand, Dee.
That you for leaving a note.