I spotted my first male Painted Bunting in the backyard this morning!  Let the fall birding begin!

He’s about two weeks ahead of schedule.  Last year I saw my first bunting on October 12, and the year before that on October 11.  But this year he’s right in time for my grandfather’s 90th birthday.  :)

If you want to attract these beautiful birds to your backyard, put out a feeder with millet seed.  A cage doesn’t bother the birds and keeps the red-wings from devouring all the good seed.  Don’t forget to report your sightings to paintedbuntings.org!