OK -- I know the odds are very much against this sighting, but on the 1/billion chance that someone else in the area sees this bird, I feel compelled to post this possible female Painted Bunting.

Yesterday afternoon, a small unfamiliar bird briefly graced our water feature. It was there and gone in slightly more than the blink of an eye -- but what caught my attention was the color --- pale green.

All I could see was the bird's head, so forget about field markings. She was clearly green, had a finch-like beak and a pale green eye-ring.

She has not been back (yet) and was too quick for a picture, although we ran around the house several times in the hope we might catch another glimpse.

Should she return, I will try to get a picture, but I think she was in motion.

Jo Hofmann
Upper Rainier Beach, Seattle

jo.hofmann at comcast.net