Suzanne and Sid Johnson reported that they had seen a Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) on January 8, 2011 at San Angelo State Park. I have been watching for it since, but had believed that it had left the building. But this evening, Ann and I got lucky. We had been out at the park, doing a little TLC at the bird blind and were leaving the park. Just a little south of the gatehouse, there it was atop a mesquite tree, about 75 yards away.
I was wondering if I could be lucky enough to get a shot of it before it flew. First, I took a few exposures from the window of the van with my Canon 7d and 100-400mm lens. Then I grabbed my other 7d with a 500mm set-up and got out of the van, trying to get just a little closer. I managed to get a few shots hand-holding the 500mm. Well, I thought I am doing all right so Ann volunteered to run back to the van and get my 1.4 converter and tripod. I couldn’t believe my luck that the bird stayed in place for so long. In all, I shot 130 images, before finally a Northern Mockingbird decided to give chase, and drove off ths Phainopepla.
I have attached one of the better images. Lifer number 219 for me. If you click on it and enlarge it, you can make out the red eye.
Phainopepla
Happy Birding!!
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
How exciting – beautiful shot!!
Great shot Mr. Bob, I wish we had more smaller birds around here in the colder months, I suppose the little guys don’t much care for the cold.
I did get some pretty good shots of a Red Tail hawk in the snow, I’ll track them down and post them later this evening.
Raven
Thanks, Raven.
I’ll really look forward to your photos of the Red-tailed Hawk. Those raptors are awesome, my favorite. and I bet your photos will be something great.
Bob
Wow! I did say we’d see a photo of it soon, but I hadn’t thought it would be this soon! Congrats Bob!! I think this would make a nice water-color for a calendar 🙂
Yes, I got lucky again. I am hoping we get a sunny day today or tomorrow so I can look for it and maybe get a better picture. Thanks, Michael.
Great job! It was an exciting bird to see, but not a lifer for us. We had seen one on the Indian Reservation in New Mexico. Glad you finally got to see it.