Another Case of Mistaken Identity

  Folks mean well.  They really do.  It is just that sometimes their good intentions are misguided.  With the popularity of social media and the welfare of pets. people just get overzealous at times.  With just a bit of commonsense and patience, a bit of the urgency could be avoided.  Some of the "found pets" would rather not be found at all since they are supposed to be wild. Today, there was just such an incident where a well-meaning lady thought she saw one thing and it turned out to be something totally different.  The "swat crew" of animal rescue folks was called to retrieve "two beautiful, blue finches that are on the loose!"  After all of the hullabaloo that ensued,  it was decided that it was all a case of mistaken identity.  Social media on high alert!  Animal Rescue notified!  Two hours of searching for pet birds!  Nary a "beautiful, blue finch" found.  On the other hand, I have seen lots of Indigo Buntings flitting about the place!

  While not everyone knows an Indigo Bunting from a bedbug, it is sometimes wise to check things first.   Folks at the animal rescue place should have been aware that it is the season for these little birds to be moving through the area as they migrate.  They come twice a year, stop in for a few days then hurry on their way. 

  I had read the urgent request for help early in the day then set about painting the front door.  While I worked I had the windows all flung open to take advantage of the wonderful breeze that comes off of the water.  The sound of birds singing, squirrels fussing and waves hitting the marsh made for a pleasant work atmosphere.  At one point a flash of blue caught my eye.  I peered out the window and saw the "beautiful, blue finch" also known as an Indigo Bunting searching for seeds under the rose arbor.  Sweet!  Then, it dawned on me what had caused all of the commotion down the road a ways.  Bless their hearts, I felt for those poor folks in their never-ending quest.  You know fully well that the little buntings were oblivious to their no-show doppelgangers and were probably confused at being chased by good-hearted folks with their "birding" nets.  Come on, folks!  Get a birdwatching guide book if nothing else! So, here is a photo of a bunting as seen through the window screen.   It is NOT a tame finch!  That said, buntings and finches are related and this bunting is blue so this case of mistaken identity may be understandable....somewhat....but the panic involved in the search was a bit of overreaction...to say the least.