Rare sighting! Male painted buntings bring a burst of color to any scene - with spectacular feathers that look unreal. They are some of the most recognizable and striking songbirds in the country. This particular painted bunting has become a celebrity along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for the past several weeks. Normally found much farther south, this bird has stuck around, enjoying the park's accommodations. Stretching 184.5 miles, the C&O Canal travels through Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., offering views and access to the stunning Potomac River. Throughout the year, many of the park's 3 million annual visitors come to enjoy the outdoors, hike, bike, jog, ride horses and if they're lucky, observe wildlife both expected and unusual. This bright bird has drawn in birders and curious onlookers, respectfully catching glimpses of it as it scours the surrounding plants for food. Photo courtesy of Stacy Beck. Male painted buntings are the most spectacularly colored of all North American songbirds, with their bold combination of red, blue, green and yellow feathers.
