Years ago back in New Jersey I saw a pair of Scarlet Tanagers. I’m not a bird person at all, but they were so remarkable that I went to the library to try to discover what they were. (Pre-internet days). A beautiful bird.
Same thing here, only a month ago - friend & I having lunch in my car on a rainy day, sitting in a local park.
The brightest bird I’ve ever seen - almost like it had a light source inside it, bright red like I’ve never seen in nature before - with black wings and tail - landed in tree in front of us. Had no idea what it was. Watched for several minutes in awe. Then it flew away. Central Virginia.
Found it on my iPhone on a search: Scarlet Tanager. I’m 75, lived all over - never have seen one before. Most beautiful bird I’ve ever seen - or one of them for sure.