Redstart for Dummies

Redstart is a word that describes a small bird typically found in woodlands. When we break down this word, "red" refers to the color that we see when we look at fire trucks, cherry candies, or even ripe strawberries. Isn't it fascinating how the color red can be so vibrant and eye-catching? And "start," in this case, means to begin or to commence. Just like how we start a new day when the sun rises or how we start a race when the whistle blows.

So, when we put these two words together, a redstart is a bird that catches our attention with its beautiful red color! It's like nature's way of saying, "Hey, look at me, I'm here!"

These birds are often quite small, similar to the size of a sparrow or a finch, and they can be found in wooded areas, especially near trees or shrubs. They have a distinctive orange-red or rusty-red color on their tail, which is where they get their name from. It's like they're wearing a dashing red cape that makes them stand out from other birds in the forest.

But here's an interesting fact about redstarts. Did you know that not all of them have red tails? Some redstarts, like the American redstart, have black and orange patterns instead. It's almost like they're wearing a fancy tuxedo to a bird party!

Now, let's dive into the second definition of redstart. Apart from being a small bird with a red or black and orange tail, it can also refer to a fishing fly. Fishing flies are not actual flies like the ones buzzing around our heads; they are artificial lures used by anglers to attract fish. These lures are made to imitate insects or small creatures that fish like to eat. So, when we say "redstart" in the context of fishing, we're talking about a specific type of fishing fly that may have red or orange features – the kind of lure that can trick the fish into thinking it's a delicious snack.

So, you see, whether we're talking about a vibrant little bird in the woods or an artificial lure used for fishing, the word redstart always has something to do with catching the eye and starting something new. It's like a tiny burst of color and excitement in our natural world.