I think I mentioned that a titmouse started coming to the hummingbird feeder when the orioles were here. I still see that titmouse occasionally doing that. Today I was outside and the titmouse was at the feeder as I got the corner of the house and noticed it. It looks at me and looked back at the feeder, kind of nervous. As if to say "I know this is supposed to be for those hummingbirds, but HEY...those orioles did it first! And I tried it and I LIKE it!"

I believe the moth in question is the White Spring Moth. Thanks for the answer, ya'll.

Back on the topic of Painted Buntings. The very colorful one is the male as has been stated. But the green (green w/ yellow) ones are called "greenies" & are called that because they are either females OR immature males. The immature males look like the females prior to getting their adult male plumage. Linda, that last photo of the male looks like he might be finishing off coming into mature male status. See, his lines of color are not distinct --- kind of unclear margins. I've seen them in my yard when they are changing into adults & sometimes they look like clowns the way the mature coloration comes in on them. Most especially when they just begin turning. It's very cute.
The painted buntings are shy birds. Wouldn't you be if you were their size & color? They like having dense cover near feeders so they can take refuge against predators. They DO frequent feeders & will become regulars at them. They love the tiny finch birdseed. Supposed to love nijer thistle seed too but in south Fl. I tried that & they preferred the finch seed over nijer thistle. All depends. They will have to get used to the people who feed them & they do but it takes a while for them to learn you can't fly!

Check out our conversation & some links about them here:

The thread "Lin's Painted Buntings" in Garden Art forum

And this:

Oh, those were great! We only had them for a while...loved them while they were here! I think they liked the back feeder because it has nearby cover. Wish I'd known about the mealy worms! Right now, there's lots of doves here...it's funny to walk out there where they hang out and hear all the noise they make when they take off all at once. At least here they're safe from hunters.

I wish my doves would head your way and be safe. I had to suspend feeding at my feeders a month or so ago due to the presence of several Cooper's Hawks in the immediate vicinity. They insist on making a meal out of some the birds who frequent the feeders. Since I stopped feeding, I haven't seen the hawks nearly as much. I'll resume winter feeding in a few weeks. We just had first frosts last night and the night before.

Swan on a small lake. The native plant people had an outing on a private ranch by Helotes, so of course I went.

Simply lovely. There are few birds more elegant than a swan.

Got this cardinal thru my front door. I know it is not a Painted Bunting but I sure think he is beautiful.

Yes, he is. What a great shot!

Great swan & cardinal too. Love seeing birds splash in the bath!

I've got two of these hummingbirds...very late to see them! Today I took the feeder in to clean it and put fresh nectar in it. I took it down the steps from the deck in front. There was a hummingbird looking for the feeder where I'd had it before. It saw me coming with the feeder and rush right over. I held the feeder out toward it...and it went right for that nectar as I held it up! Wow! This pic was taken a bit later after the feeder was put back on a tree branch.

That's great, Linda. Sounds like they are hungry! You're my hero for feeding those little hummers.

How AWESOME Linda!!!!! What a feeling!

When they showed up about a week ago, I was surprised! Hadn't seen any in weeks. It was fortunate the weather got warmer after they showed up. Yesterday was up to 80°! I love them being here, but I know they'll have to leave soon.

They are on their way to Mexico, you think????

I bet they are & they are HUNGRY!!!! So happy Linda had her feeders out & is keeping them out. That was a wonderful gift you got Linda in return for feeding them wasn't it?! Gosh, I can just imagine you standing there holding completely still while that little hummer drank, all the while wanting nothing more than to jump up & down & shout to the world to come look what's happening!!!!! How exciting!
Those little hummers need all the fuel they can get for that long flight. I don't think I'll ever stop being amazed at how far they fly in migration & what a punishing trip it has to be.

Them and the Monarch butterflies are amazing creatures....

Oh yes, I forgot about them.