Lazuli Bunting

Wednesday April 15th 

Delicate Violet Orchid seen today at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

eBird Checklist - 15 Apr 2026 - Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - 20 species

Made a quick visit today to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to see the reported Lazuli Bunting. The rare-to -Florida Bunting had been reported using the bird feeders for about the past three weeks and no doubt would be gone soon. 

Arrived at the sanctuary 8am. Had about a 40-minute wait for the bunting's appearance and it was a stunning male. Was able to get a couple of pics, which was a part of the goal today. As it's not a lifer. Saw the Lazuli that was frequenting Vince McGrath's feeders in Iona back in 2012, but no photo then. Dipped several times two years ago when another Lazuli wintered in Alva. 

Lazuli Buntings are a rarity east of the Mississippi River. Every so often an individual will migrate east for the winter instead of south to Mexico. This could be a misorientation in their migration. 

Lots of Painted and Indigo Buntings today as well.