First, I want to say that this may be my last post for about a week. Ann, Jodie Wolslager and I are heading for New Mexico to visit some birding and wildlife areas there. I hope to come back with some nice photos and new experiences to tell you about.
This morning we had our monthly Adult Birding Adventure at San Angelo State Park. We had one of the largest participant turn-outs ever. However, the bird activity left a little to be desired. Plenty activity at the bird blind though. By Ann’s count we had a grand total of 29 species. Not bad for an off-day. A total list appears at the bottom of this post.
Red-tailed Hawk
In keeping with my habit of including a photograph with each post, I submit this in-flight image of a Red-tailed Hawk, from my archives. Did I ever tell you that I love to photograph raptors?? Click on the photo to see an enlargement.
By the way, I am overwhelmed by the comments to Holly’s Blog about in-flight photography, referring to the advice and tips that I gave her. See http://photobyholly.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/in-flight/ I thank one and all for reading the tips. I only hope that every one has good results from them. I do need to clarify one thing. My tips were based on my own experience with a Canon DSLR. I remember that Holly shoots a Nikon, but I think that most DSLRs have a tracking type of auto-focus.
Happy birding and picture taking!! 🙂
Location: San Angelo State Park
Observation date: 2/12/11
Number of species: 29
Mallard 3
Blue-winged Teal 20
Northern Shoveler 18
American White Pelican 12
Great Blue Heron 2
Black Vulture 6
Turkey Vulture 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 2
Killdeer 2
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Least Sandpiper 10
Ring-billed Gull 100
White-winged Dove 2
Mourning Dove 4
Ladder-backed Woodpecker 2
Black-crested Titmouse 2
Rock Wren 1
Bewick’s Wren 1
Northern Mockingbird 6
Curve-billed Thrasher 1
Canyon Towhee 1
White-crowned Sparrow 24
Northern Cardinal 6
Pyrrhuloxia 4
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Western Meadowlark 10
House Finch 18
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Safe travels, Bob.
Gorgeous shot of the hawk!!! Have a great week Bob!!!
Thanks, Katherine. I hope to have some photos next weekend when we get back.
Bob
Another great photo! We have many red-tailed hawks in Virginia, and some in my suburban neighborhood. I have seen them capture squirrels in my backyard and slowly devour them while all the neighborhood birds gathered round to jeer at and announce the violation to the world.
I hope you find lots of sandhill cranes on your adventure. They are amazing.
Are you sure you will be able to resist the temptation to pop in a post from your laptop on the hotel’s wireless? ;)I do hope you do have a enjoyable and fruitful week. I’m looking forward to some great new pictures like this amazing action capture when you get back.
I don’t know, Cindy. I will have my laptop, and I may be tempted. I do know that I have a tendency to get escited and want to want to share that excitement. No promises….. 🙂
Bob
Awesome as always Mr. Bob.
What part of New Mexico are you guys headed to??
Raven
Thanks Raven. We will be staying at the Dream Catcher Inn in Las Cruces. Our primary target is the Bosque Del Apache National Wilddlife Refuge near Socorro, New Mesico. We’re leaving Tuesday morning and will return Friday.
Bob
Hawks will always get my number one vote Bob! Fantastic shot!!
Looking forward to your report on New Mexico:-)
Thanks a bunch, Enivea.
Gog
Bob, have a safe trip, enjoy yourself and bring back lots of photos for us to look at next week.
Love the hawk in flight. 🙂
Bob…I hope you guys and gals have a productive and safe trip to the Land of Enchantment. I look forward to the great photos I’m sure you’ll bring back with you. Vaya con Dios, amigo.
Adios,
Toby
Thanks, Toby. Talk to ya next weekend. 🙂
Bob