Yesterday morning, Friday, Ann and I woke to a nice clear, sunshiny day. The temp was still only about 20 degrees. We waited a bit until it was up to about 28 then we headed to San Angelo State Park. First we needed to put seed in the feeders. We do that on a regular basis, not just to feed the birds, but for the main purpose of attracting birds for the numerous birders that frequent the popular bird blind.
Cactus Wren in the snow
I also wanted to take advantage of the snow still on the ground, to get some wintery photographs. My vision was to catch a Northern Cardinal perched on a snow-covered branch. But a vision was all it was, as there wasn’t any snow on the tree branches. All we had was about an inch of it on the ground. But I did get a couple of nice photos of some birds in the snow. One was the Cactus Wren. The other was a White-crowned Sparrow that seemed to be staring at some large cat tracks. Perhaps a Bobcat??
A cool White-crown Sparrow
At the blind, I scared off a small Opossum as I approched. The water trough, which is about 2 feet deep was frozen solid. I tried to break through it, but to no avail. I would have to wait and let the warming sun do it’s job. O. C. Fisher lake, which is dwindling by the day, looked like it was frozen all the way across. Leaving there, we stopped by the Prairie Dog village. A few of them were sitting on the mounds, pondering if they should venture across the snow.
A young Black-tailed Prairie Dog
But, today the snow will probably leave for the most part. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature is climbing again. Will spring be just around the corner?? Enjoy the photos, and click on any of them to see enlargements.
Happy Birding!! 🙂
Love the images of the birds on the snow, that shadow in the first one falls very nicely 🙂
Thanks, Michael. I agree that the shadow fits nicely. I was worried that the bird was going to hop into the shadow before I could get the shot.
Bob
What a cute little wren – you should definitely use that photo for your calendar! I bet there are a lot of confused little critters around there right now, they don’t often experience weather like this! …. and probably a lot of disappointed football fans who attended the Superbowl, thinking that it would be warm!!
Thanks, Holly. The weather here has been quite different the past week. But the sun is shining again for a few days. We’re heading for the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico next week on the 15th and we’re excited about the possibilities there.
Bob
Wow, the snow makes a beautiful background. I will have to remember the next time we get our once a year snowfall. Kudos for making it out in this weather.
As you knwo, snow is a rarity. But I just had to get a bird image in the snow. Makes a good Xmas Card for next year. 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Jason
Nice work on the Wren, Bob.
Thanks, Jim. Finally got enough snow to photograph. 🙂
Bob
Great shots Bob, nice and cool looking too:-) Love the sparrow!
Thanks Enivea
Thanks Rose. It’s always nice to read your comments. 🙂
Bob
Hi Bob, I agree with you on using the first photo for your calendar. Hope you see the Northern Cardinal soon. In the city we don’t often see them because they perch so high in the trees but I always look forward to hearing them sing in February – a sure sign of spring. 🙂
I agree – that wren is just beautiful! Thanks for sharing your photos 🙂
Thanks a bunch, Shelly. That photo may be a candidate for my calendar in 2012.
Bob
Thanks so much, Cindy,
Yes, I got lucky with shadow. I kept hoping that the wren wouldn’t walk into it. The sun is shining wo we’re heading back out and see if I can get some more images.
Bob
Those birds must be wondering if they went far enough south and the poor little Prairie Dog much really be wondering what’s going on! I do enjoy the enlargements of your photos. So much wonderful detail. The shadow crossing the bottom of the first one couldn’t be much more perfect, could it?!