Monterey Audubon - Indigo Buntings

There appear to be at least three Indigo Buntings at large at Palo Corona Regional Park, including this beautiful male photographed by Mark Chappell. The stunning Indigo Bunting is the widespread "eastern" relative of our more familiar Lazuli Bunting. Of course, "eastern" is relative, as the species' range extends far into the U.S. Southwest, including southeastern California.
Here in Monterey, Indigo Bunting is one of our most regular spring and fall vagrants. Spring visitors are often males, which may sing on territory and even make breeding attempts (including hybridization with Lazuli Bunting).

📸: (c) Mark Chappell - Palo Corona Regional Park, Monterey County, California (6/22)

Mark's eBird checklist with many great photos of two males:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S183140298

Bill

Posted on July 2, 2024 02:44 PM by billhubick