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Bluer than blue

Betsy Bloom/Daily News photos

As predicted, ruby-throated hummingbirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks and Baltimore orioles all showed up in the region this past week at feeders that offer nectar, cut orange halves and grape jelly. Also back are the almost impossibly blue indigo buntings. Though it looks and acts like a finch, the indigo bunting actually is considered a member of the cardinal family. So, too, is the rose-breasted grosbeak, even though it shares a name with evening and pine grosbeaks, both more closely aligned to true finches such as the purple and goldfinch. These should be some of the final spring migrants to journey back to the region, with most setting up territories and nests in the coming days. Some of the earlier migrants, such as sandhill cranes, likely are already brooding eggs.

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