Today I was treated to a Western Tanager sighting.

Public domain photo that I wish I’d caught.

As before when I spotted one of these birds, I wondered what it’s like to wake up every day looking so very eye-catching. Is there a lot of pressure associated with displaying those bold colors? Are there days when the tanagers wish they were more finch-like and adorned with dull, brown feathers?

Yes, I realize I’m anthropomorphizing.
But that doesn’t stop those wheels from turning in my head.

“Every gaudy color is a bit of truth.”  ~ Nathalia Crane