Top 5 Once In A Lifetime Songbirds

May 5, 2023 by Kieu Trinh

The Vermilion Flycatcher is a beautiful, hard to find backyard bird in the U.S., and is a once in a lifetime bird to see! chrisncami / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Have you ever seen any of these spectacular “lifer birds?”

To an avid birder, a lifer bird is a special event sighting, worthy of photos and sharing on social media. What it means is they observed a new (to them) species for the first time in their birding lives.

Some keep a list of birds they hope to see in their lifetimes and will travel thousands of miles for a chance to make it happen. But sometimes, luck is on their side, and a rare bird simply appears when they least expect it.

The continental U.S. and Canada are home to 700 bird species, so there’s always a chance you’ll see something “new,” even if you’re not actively looking. Here’s a sampler of some of the stunning birds that have launched many a birder’s quest:

To see a Green Jay in the U.S., you will have to travel to the southernmost part of Texas and hope you can catch a glimpse of this brilliant bird. BrianLasenby / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Green Jay

Green Jay | Audubon Field Guide

These brilliant blue and green corvids leverage sticks to reach insects under tree bark, making them one of the rare North American birds to use tools. They’re found throughout Mexico. Still, birders travel to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge nestled in the southeastern point of Texas just for a chance to see them.

Kirtland’s Warblers can be found in the jack pine forests of Michigan and Wisconsin, traveling south to the Bahamas for winter. Carol Hamilton / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Kirtland’s Warbler

Kirtland's Warbler - American Bird Conservancy

Dark gray with a lemon-yellow breast, look for this beauty in the jack pine forests of Michigan and Wisconsin. But keep an eye out during its migration to the southeastern coast as they reach their winter home in the Bahamas.

Travel south along the Gulf of Mexico and along the southern U.S. to catch a glimpse of this fiery red and deep brown bird. Neil bowman / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion Flycatcher | Audubon Field Guide

This scarlet bird with black wings and a face mask can be found along the rivers in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, along with the Gulf of Mexico. During courtship, the male presents the female with a butterfly or some other showy insect.

While they live in many areas throughout the U.S., the Yellow-breasted Chat can be difficult to find as it lives in dense, shrubby habitats. WilliamSherman / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Yellow-breasted Chat

Yellow-breasted Chat - Urban Hawks

While widespread across the continental U.S., you have to look hard to catch sight of these striking little birds. They spend their summers in dense, shrubby habitats, searching for spiders and other insects.

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Crab fried rice is a dish that embodies the perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a delicious amalgamation of succulent crab meat, fluffy rice, and an array of colorful vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to indulge in restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle. In this blog post, we’ll explore a simple yet delectable recipe for crab fried rice that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. 1. Gather Your Ingredients To embark on this culinary journey, gather your ingredients: cooked crab meat, cooked jasmine rice (preferably cooled and day-old for better texture), diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas), eggs, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. Optional additions include green onions for garnish and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Having everything prepared and within reach will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. 2. Heat the Pan and Scramble the Eggs Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently until the eggs are fully cooked but still tender. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside. 3. Sauté the Vegetables and Crab Meat In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the diced vegetables. Sauté them until they are slightly tender yet vibrant in color. Next, add the crab meat to the pan, stirring gently to combine it with the vegetables. The sweet, delicate flavor of the crab will infuse the vegetables, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. 4. Add the Rice and Seasonings Now, add the cooled jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in the soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, evenly distributing the seasonings throughout the dish. Stir continuously to ensure that every grain of rice is coated with the flavorful sauce. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible. 5. Combine and Garnish Once the rice, vegetables, and crab meat are thoroughly combined and heated through, reintroduce the scrambled eggs to the pan. Gently toss everything together until the eggs are evenly distributed. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if necessary. To add a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped green onions over the crab fried rice before serving. 6. Enjoy Your Culinary Creation! Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared a mouthwatering plate of easy crab fried rice. Grab your favorite chopsticks or a fork, and savor each bite of this delectable dish. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, the flavors and textures will transport you to a culinary paradise. Making crab fried rice at home is a delightful experience that allows you to explore the world of flavors in a simple yet profound way. With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will leave a lasting impression. So, don’t hesitate to dive into the kitchen and embark on this culinary adventure. Your taste buds will thank you! Post Views: 151 Related