“Pssst! Flash of bright blue to the left!” I hissed at Hector and then I quickly, but hopefully silently, poked my head into the tree branches on the left side of the trail. Hector’s head popped in to the foliage moments later.

We both scanned the tree branches for the blue bird I was pretty sure I had just seen fly by. Would it be a blue jay? A black-throated blue warbler? Would we be able to find it?

Hector and I stood still and waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever bird I thought I had seen.

And then I saw him: an indigo bunting! It was very exciting!

“What kind of bird is that, Bernice?” Hector asked. “What a beautiful color it is!”

“That is an indigo bunting – a male – you can tell by his color. The females are light brown,” I whispered. “The males have bright blue feathers for the breeding season, otherwise they are mostly brown too,” I added.

“I love being able to see birds in their breeding plumage. It seems to be their best-looking attire,” Hector grinned.

“Me too. This bird is so beautiful. I hope his partner is suitably impressed!”

Hector and I were able to watch the indigo bunting for a few moments more. Then the bird flew away.