Where did summer go. Yesterday morning the temperature here in San Angelo got down to 38 degrees. It was been cold all day. Had to turn the heat back on. What the heck is going on? But, as we say out here in west Texas, just hang around and things will change. The forecast for the coming weekend is the mid nineties.
The title of this post reflects the frustrations that I have had the past three years in trying to photograph those tiny creatures. I have seen them before, don’t get me wrong, but I have never been able to get my lens locked on to them for a good picture. But that changed last week on our trip to the Big Bend National Park.
The two following photos are the results of that endeavor. The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) in the top picture is the male. The second one is the female. Both are tiny, shy birds. They are possibly relatives of the phoebes. These images were captured at Rio Grande Village Campground in the park. I mounted my Canon 7D on a tripod with my 500mm and 1.4 teleconverter. Standing under some trees I had a good view of the birds flitting around.
Vermilion Flycatcher - male
Vermilion Flycatcher - female
In other news, I decided to enter an art show put on by the San Angelo Art Club. Their club consists mostly of paint artists, but twice a year they have an “Anything Goes, Almost” show and artists of all mediums are invited to enter. They have a competition and give out cash prizes and ribbons for each medium. Maybe I can get lucky. I dropped off two of my latest creations this morning. If I do win anything, you will be among the first to know.
So, I bid you adios from this post. Click on the images to see enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
beautiful shots Bob! what lovely little birds they are…. you’re having weather that hot already? wow.. lucky you. still chilly here but baseball has stated so I guess it is spring! Good luck on the contest, I am sure your entry is a beaut.
s
These are simply stunning, Bob! Any bird with red seems to just pop to me! Great job.
Thanks, Steve. I apprecaiate your comments.
Wow, you certainly are making my head awful large, Cindy. 🙂
But I am glad you think so much of my photos, and I certainly appreciate it and thank you for the wonderful compliments.
They are so sweet and so beautiful. I can see why you were so determined to get these pictures. Best of luck with the art show, not that I think you’ll need it. In fact, I wonder if your entering is even fair to other photographers
Love your photos of this beautiful bird. The female is a real stunner! Good luck with the art competition. 🙂
Thanks, Linda, I appreciate your kind words.
great photos..Good luck in the show..
Thanks, Syl. I won first place in this show about 4 years ago. Maybe it’s time for me again. 🙂
Wonderful – Good luck to you! You’ve got some amazing shots here (as always)! I’ve decided to make you one of the new recipients of the “Versatile Blogger” awards – make sure to check out my next post!! 🙂
Thanks, Holly. I’ll check out your next post. 🙂
A great idea, Toby. 🙂
Bob… Good luck in the Art Club Competition! My wife is Eye-talian, if need be I could send a couple of her cousins down there to “encourage” the judges to make the “right” decision. 🙂
Toby