The Indigo Bunting is considered a common, summer migrant throughout Pennsylvania.  I was out early last Saturday and was able to photograph my first.  I was fortunate to have a pair in the same area.  The Indigo Bunting can be seen searching for insects along forest edges where dense shrubbery grows.  In the shadows, the male Indigo Bunting appears nearly black in color.  Their feathers, like the Blue Jay, don't actually contain blue pigment; they are actually black, but the diffraction of light through the structure of the feathers makes them appear blue.  The nonbreeeding male will look more like the female with only some blue in the wings and tail.

Indigo Bunting Pair

Indigo Bunting Pair (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 2X EF Extender III, f/5.6 @ 600mm, 1/640, ISO 640)

The Indigo Bunting is a secretive bird and usually only the males are seen.  I was very pleased both birds came into the open for me to photograph.

Indigo Bunting (female)

Indigo Bunting Female (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 2X EF Extender III, f/5.6 @ 600mm, 1/1250, ISO 640)

The Indigo Bunting is beneficial to farmers and fruit growers as they consume many insect pests and weed seeds.  Soon, these beautiful birds will begin migration to southern states, Mexico, and Central and South America only to return next April and May.

Indigo Bunting (male)

Indigo Bunting Male (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 2X EF Extender III, f/5.6 @ 600mm, 1/1250, ISO 640)

As I was watching the woodland edge, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzed by multiple times before visiting this Spotted Jewelweed growing nearby.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (female or Juvenile)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon 300mm 2.8L, 2X EF Extender III, f/5.6 @ 600mm, 1/500, ISO 640)

Thanks for looking,

Dan