I guess spring is finally here, however it is a little cooler here today, but I will ignore that. Trees are budding out, expecially the mesquites, and that should be a sure sign. But on the other hand, a niece e-mailed me three days ago that they had gotten 12 inches of snow that morning. She lives near Traverse City, Michigan. Thank God for Texas.
We saw our first Ash-throated Flycatcher of the year. Plus I had a report from friends down in Eldorado that they had seen two Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. So I guess the migration has started. I hope you like this photo that I took when I first saw that flycatcher.
Ash-throated Flycatcher
People have asked me how I put that frame and mat around my digital images. Well, I have a very special friend that wrote me a custom “action” for my Photoshop Elements program. Pretty neat, huh??
About the Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens). Breeds in open, dry habitats. It spends it’s summers in the Southwestern United States. Click on the image to see an enlargement.
This flycatcher is difficult to discern from a few other species. To learn more about the identification of all birds, Delbert Tarter, one of the best local experts on the subject, will be presenting a three-week, 12-hour class at the San Angelo, Texas, Nature Center. Two hours each Tuesday and Thursday nights for the duration. (Delbert, wasn’t that neat how I worked that plug into this post for you? You can thank me later.) 🙂 Phone 325-942-0121 for more information.
One more thing, click here to see what Toby Shoemaker, of Maine, is saying about me.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
It is as if that flycatcher knew he was having his portrait made. Splendid and beautifully framed. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Katherine
I might have to pass on the class, so I’m extra pleased to learn from you. This is such a pretty bird. Such a lovely setting too, a very interesting tree with it’s slender, soft-looking leaves. Do you know what kind of tree it is?
Yes, I guess it would be a problem to make the classes. Would be a long commute. 🙂
The tree is a mesquite. They are just starting to leaf out and the leaves look really delicate at this time. Actually, the mesquite is really a shrub, or bush,and very thirsty. They grow large and develope into trees, albeit not very tall. The wood is hard but beautiful. It makes great furniture because of the rich grain. However, because the branches of a mesquite are crooked, you can never get a plank longer than about 6 feet. The word, mesquite, means “crooked stick” to the Indians.
It is a non-native, invasive species. It is one of the main causes of the water shortage in west Texas. Rivers are drying up because of them. Of course, projects are underway to eradicate them. That’s too bad, as the mesquite, to me, is a very beautiful tree. I love the “crookedness” of it.
I’ve read about the mesquite. I imagine someone brought it in because of its contorted beauty and it got out of hand as do so many non-native plants. The leaves do look delicate and the bark is a lovely hue as well.
Great picture of the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. Glad you had a another good trip to Bib Bend
Thanks, Dave. That bird was sitting in that tree along the road, and I never had to leave the car.
What a charming little bird..he blends so well with tree. Really like the digital frame..I may try it for my art work.We had 4 inches of snow Sunday Morning..but it is all gone..yeah!! Ready for springtime..our birds coming in to the feeders are already in mating colors..Have terrific Tuesday..
Thanks, again, Syl. Yes, the digital frames can really make a photo stand out.
That is a really good digital frame – it looks so real!! I think I have a new challenge ahead of me now….. 😉 Not to mention, the photo is spectacular! We haven’t gotten any more snow (we’ve had a lot of blue sky, actually) – but it isn’t any warmer yet.
Yes, my dear friend did a super job. Hang in there, spring is around the corner. 🙂
Bob… with that cool mat and frame around the photo, it looks suitable for hanging in the living room. As far as Delbert goes, if you mention him in a post, he must be the real deal. I’ll try to find some info on him using my Google Fu, and perhaps write a post about him on my blog….no, not THAT one. I mean the Three States Plus One.
Thanks, Toby. It’s great to have great friends like her to create for me. Delbert would love that. He is a “funky ole dude”, too.
Heck, it’s settled then. Viva los Funky Old Dudes! A Googlin’ I will go! :)If I can get enough info, I’ll have it up tomorrow.