It was love at first sight when I came across a painted bunting on Facebook. I read up on it and discovered that they come to Texas from April to September to breed. With this knowledge, I started putting up bird feeders and bird baths in the hopes to attract a painted bunting.

It took over a week for the first male cardinal to arrive. Quickly followed by the female cardinal, doves, titmouse, chickadees, Carolina wrens, mocking birds, goldfinches, house finches, blue jays, hummingbirds, and even a road runner dropped by. I was ecstatic. But sadly, no bunting.

As I watched them every day, I found that watching wasn't enough. I wanted to capture those moments when they seem to kiss or feed, when they interact with each other, and when they shoo each other away. 

So I bought myself a simple Kodak that can zoom. I took pictures, lots of pictures, and it was a challenge. And for every shot I made, my respect for bird photographers grew.

I was told that once you understand the birds' habits and movements, it would be easier, and it was. It takes a lot of patience and love for the subject to make a good shot.

I captured a few beautiful moments and shared them with my grandkids. Now they know a lot of the birds in our backyard.

I find great joy when they excitedly point out, "look, Grandma, a Papa cardinal!"

As to the painted bunting, one has yet to visit me. However, my husband drove me to Guadalupe State Park, where I heard some were to be found. And we did! They were beautiful! Though the male was more colorful, the female, with its soft hues of blue and green, was equally beautiful. I took pictures, and I was happy. 

I would love to photograph a bluebird someday. One stopped by once, but I only caught a blur of its baby blue plumes …

Bird watching and photography filled a void during the pandemic. Now it has become a passion. My pursuit of the bunting continues. According to Google, the painted bunting represents knowledge and intelligence with an emphasis on utilizing your voice to “sing your thoughts and speak from your heart.” They are a reminder to add color and vitality to your life.

I’m thankful to sing my thoughts and the joys of bird watching and amateur photography in my corner of The Dominion at the Reserve.