After a few days of feeling under the weather, then another few days just too darned lazy to write, here I am again.
Honestly, last week I just had a slight sinus infection and a spell of laryngitis that absolutely frustrated me. I live to talk, and I get quite irritated when I can open my mouth but have nothing come out. I wasn’t very easy to get along with.
Curve-billed Thrasher
Then, came the weekend. I was feeling much better, but I had to lead my monthly birding adventure at the state park. After that I became a couch potato for the weekend. The reason?? It was the Masters Tournament from Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. This TV tournament is one of my favorites to watch, and I was hoping for another Tiger Woods spectacle. It almost happened. Aside from his private life, I think he is the best golfer to come along in years.
So, back to the world of birding and photography. The birds were not very co-operative Saturday morning at the park. Could be that they knew about the coming storms or were just down out of the wind.
But good news is coming. We were doing our regular chores at the bird blind at the park this morning. We talked to Pat Bales, one of the rangers, and he spotted a Bullock’s Oriole and a Western Kingbird. Both early this morning. We had already seen the first Black-chinned Hummingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and a Ash-throated Flycatcher a few days ago, so indications are that the summer birds are moving in.
Northern Cardinal
So I hope to post some pictures of the new arrivals later this week. I am now ready to get off my duff and get into the field. That includes, hopefully, a trip to the Eldorado waste water ponds. A couple of rarities were spotted there over the weekend. An Upland Sandpiper and a Least Tern. Both are very unusual species for the area.
The two images in this post were photographed at San Angelo State Park this past Saturday morning during the monthly birding adventure. Click on either one to see an enlargement.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
How ever did you manage to arrange for the cardinal to pose in this perfect setting? The soft cool colours of the branches and distant foliage are a perfect backdrop, contrasting so nicely with this brilliant beauty. I’m sorry that you weren’t well, but glad to know you’re on the mend and back at it.
“I’m sorry that you weren’t well, but glad to know you’re on the mend and back at it.” Guess I said that before. 🙂 But I am.
You can say that again. 🙂 Oops, you already did. 🙂 Forgive my weird sense of humor. Thanks for all of your kind words, Cindy.
Glad to hear you are feeling better Bob, and getting out and about again taking more gorgeous photos of the birds. I especially like the Red Cardinal – he’s an outstanding looking bird, isn’t he?
Thanks Barb. By the way, I like the picture on your header of your blog. Some cute critters there. 🙂
Glad you are better..I have sinus and it can really be frustrating. Love your Cardinal..I just finished painted one last week that goes to a gallery in Kentucky. I am putting hummingbird feeders out next week after the 15th. We have some that come in early.Take care of yourself and have a great day..
Thanks, Syl,
Congrats on your painting to the Kentucky gallery.
Glad you are feeling better. That lovely cardinal looks like it belongs in your next calendar. It’s a really great photo, like the composition and the birds position.
Hard to keep a good man down.
Dog-gone right, Dave. 🙂
Glad you’re all better! That is a GORGEOUS cardinal!! It’s wonderful to hear about all of the birds coming back – we have quite a bunch moving back here as well, I can hear them every day. Tells me that summer is right around the corner! 🙂
Thanks, Holly. It is hard to resist the beauty of the Northern Cardinal. I agree, summer is almost upon us. 🙂