Sunday, May 19, 2019
Friday, May 17, 2019
Secret Lives of Birds and the Mulberry Bush
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Canada Gosling
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Cardinal
Swainson's Thrush
American Robin
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Another seven days of productive migratory and resident bird views. As can be observed, the mulberry bush drew in a lot of birds, even during nesting season. However, young birds like nestlings, fledglings and juveniles require protein, not the adults. The young need food to help them rapidly grow, so they can migrate, if necessary.
However, the mulberry allowed many adults to capitalize on sweet treats while they were working hard to feed young.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
First Week of May 2019 Boomer Migrants
Summer Tanager
Clay-colored Sparrow
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The above birds were coming through for migration. The two Summer Tanagers were at Heron Cove for two days, and the Clay-colored Sparrows stayed for several days, perhaps up to a week.
White-throated Sparrow
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This beautiful White-throated Sparrow visited for a day, along with several other varieties.
Cedar Waxwing
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This Cedar Waxwing is an irruptive, yet they can be counted on to arrive nearly every year, as of late. This was a very strong year, and at this time, I am not convinced that they will remain irruptive long. Since the northern winters are only getting worse, we may find these visitors to be predisposed to range expansion.
Green Heron On Nest
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This was the first day that I actively searched for a nest in order to not disturb the three Green Herons.
The nest is the lowest that I have ever seen it, though within normal parameters. Two eg were originally discovered, but I believe there are three as of this posting.
Female Ring-necked Duck
This duck was with Northern Shovelers and Blue-winged Teal. There were a total of two Ring-necked Ducks on this date.
Male Northern Shoveler
The group of males were feeling there oats and very intensely affected by a testosterone flow. Some were more combative with one another than some. The few females ignored most of the battles.
Blue-winged Teal Pair
This lovely pair is a nice example of Blue-winged Teal in breeding plumage.
Male Northern Shoveler
This photo shows a nice view of the beautiful colors of a male in breeding plumage.
Willets
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Originally observed from the west end of Heron Cove, I was unable to determine what these large shorebirds were until I got much closer. At a total of 18, these were beautiful examples of a migratory group of Willets not often seen at Boomer Lake.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Birding on a Shoestring: Amistad, Cook's Slough, Rincon Del Diablo and More
Cliff Swallows, View 1
Cliff Swallows, View 2
Cliff Swallows, View 3
Wild Nicotiana
Verdin Nest
Canyon Wren
Strawberry Cactus
04-26-19 Amistad National Recreation Area is a very diverse area that afforded many wonderful opportunities for viewing both plants and wildlife. Across the Rio Grande River in Mexico, Great Blue Herons were observed nesting on the cliffs. Turkey and Black Vultures, as well as a Red-tailed Hawk were observed riding the warm air thermals. Many birds, as well as the beautiful nesting Cliff Swallows in natural habitat, were found nesting here, as well as the Canyon Wren on the face of the cliffs.
Brown-crested Flycatcher
04-26-19 Rincon Del Diablo is private property that I was permitted entrance to bird with area residents. Our search began with a Zone-tailed Hawk (observed), as well as this lovely Brown-crested Flycatcher that I have been trying to properly photograph for a few years. The long-term quest was the Morelet's Seedeater (formerly named the white-collared Seedeater), but we were not successful.
Swan Goose
Black Vulture
04-27-19 Cook's Slough, Uvalde, TX
This natural birding area is home to some of the finest birding in Uvalde County. With 25 acres of land and two viewing stations, it is a prime resource for many birds and mammals.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Black Vultures and Axis Deer
Black-crested Titmouse
04-27-19 Neal's Lodgings, Concan, Texas
This was a camping area that had a lot of birds in the area. It had been suggested as a location to possibly observe the rare, Yellow-cheeked Warbler, which we did. Again, I didn't catch a photo opportunity, but there were other things to photograph.
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