We are finally starting to see some more birds arriving again. Where we would see just empty waters at Middle Concho Park, here in San Angelo, Texas, we are seeing now a few more waterbirds, and other migratories.
Our latest trip allowed us to see some Least Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, and four Wood Ducks. On that latter one, I got an improved photo over the one I showed in a previous post. We also saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker, and possibly a second one. I was unable to get a photo, but the red nape and center white feathers on it’s back were pretty distinctive.
We also saw a flyover of about a dozen geese, but I was unable to identify them, as they were moving pretty fast. I got a pretty good image of a Swainson’s Hawk, and also one of a Belted Kingfisher as he was intent on watching for a meal in the waters below him.
In the case of the Wood Ducks and the Belted Kingfisher, the birds were quite a distance away and I had to rely on some creative cropping to get these close-up images. My old friend, the Great Egret, was still hanging around and I have a hard time resisting getting more images of him.
So that’s it for this post. It is raining this morning, but later, if it clears out, I may make another run to see what is arriving today. 🙂
And they are so beautiful. I have always wanted to see a Wood Duck. I believe I will someday.So appreciate your photos. Of these three, I have spotted a Belted Kingfisher.
Thank you so much for your comments, Jane. I really appreciate them. 🙂
Super shots Bob…especially after clicking to enlarge them. I have never seen wood ducks outside of photos. I have seen many nesting boxes folks have put up in the marshes around here, so this was a real treat!
Thank you very much, David. It was a first for me also, getting to see them. I hope to get another chance.
So neat to see pics of migratory birds arriving in Texas — after seeing them here in Maryland a few weeks ago at the Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge.
Thanks, Neita. Don’t you just love those Wildlife Refuges?. 🙂
OOPS! Sorry for the double post.
No problem, I deleted one of them. 🙂
Beautiful shots, Bob, with an especially wide variety. Nice job!
Thanks, Dwynn, I really appreciate it. 🙂
The colour in those wood ducks is awesome. How lovely that you are getting the birds again. our birds are suddenly gone and no-one said goodbye. c
Yes, birding here is starting to get exciting again. 🙂
Good Morning..All of our summer visitors are leaving and headed your way. The Canadian Geese are flocking up and birds are hitting the feeders like there is no tomorrow..Love the photos..I really like the Belted Kingfisher..he is a sassy looking little guy. Can’t wait now for more of your photos…take care and have terrific Tuesday.
Thanks a bunch, Syl. I always appreciate your comments.
Very nice shots Bob, as always! 🙂
Thank you very much, H.J.