Yesterday Ann and I made a return trip to the water treatment ponds down at Eldorado, Texas. Our purpose was to try to get a look at the Black Scoter that was seen there for a few days. This time we did get a chance to see it. But as we watched, and as I was preparing to photograph it, it flew off. Since the ponds cover several acres, and there are five seperate areas we didn’t see it again amidst the hundred of duck species that were there. So a photograph will have to wait for another time. It was a lifer for both Ann and I.
However, the juvenile Cattle Egret was still there. I got a few images of it feeding in the reeds, but my prize was this photo of it in flight.
Cattle Egret in flight
Esposure was with my Canon 7D with a Canon 100-400mm lens. 1/500 sec. @ f8, ISO 250. Spot metering and aperture priority.
We also saw a Greater Roadrunner running with a captured Red-winged Blackbird in it’s beak. No photo. Running too fast for me. Total species for the two hours again was 27.
- Ruddy Duck
- Black Scoter
- Bufflehead
- Northern Shoveler
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Eastern Phoebe
- Greater Yellowlegs
- American Coot
- Lesser Scaup
- Gadwall
- Ring-necked Duck
- Eared Grebe
- Redhead
- Greater Roadrunner
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Canvasback
- Northern Pintail
- Wilson’s Snipe
- Meadowlark
- Egyptian Goose
- Cattle Egret
- Mockingbird
- Great Blue Heron
- Savannah Sparrow
- Vermilion Flycatcher
- Rock Wren
- Song Sparrow
We also saw one that we can’t identify. Here are two images of it. If there are any expert birders out there, tell me what you think.
I hope you enjoyed the photos. Click on any of them for an enlargement.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
How much I loved this cattle egret again… So beautiful. And you captured a nice flight of her. Thank you dear Bob, I wished to be in nature and to capture one of them too. With my love, nia
Thank you very much, Nia.
Super photos and it just amazes me how many species you guys see in such a short time!
Thanks David. It helps when they are all in one concentrated area.
I am enthusiastic about subscribing to another birder/photographer’s site from another part of north america. Enjoy the photos, and comments, thanks.
Thanks, Jane,welcome to my blog. 🙂
Hey Bob, Look here: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/269/_/American_Pipit.aspx
then scroll down to the photographs of the bird. Yours looks Identical to the photograph of the American Pipit. ~ Lynda
Close, Lynda, but no cigar> 🙂
It already has been confirmed as a Myrtle winter Yellow-rumped Warbler. The pipit is slightly larger than the warbler. But thanks for contributing. It is fun to ID these things.
P.S. Lynda, also notice the absense of the wing-bars on the pipit.
I think your photo is a Pine Warbler. The white feathers around the eyes are missing on the Myrtle Warbler..great photo keep us posted..
Sorry, I just got confirmation that it was a Myrtle Warbler. A female winter. But a good guess, Syl.
Hi Bob,
Your mystery bird looks like a female 1st year Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus)
That is what I thought at first, but upon further review I think it is a winter Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler. I have sent it to an authority that I know, and am waiting to hear from him.
By the way, Yellow-rumped Warblers around here in great numbers.
Tho’ I am no expert, I spent a few minutes w/ Peterson and his field guide, and my best guess for the mystery bird is an immature male yellow rumped warbler.
What do you think?
Mike Z
Hi Mike,
I, too, have been digging into my guides, and I think we’re both close. According to what I read in Stokes guide, I believe it to be a winter Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler. (which, of course, could be an immature, too.)
I sent a picture to Eric Carpenter in Austin for confirmation. I’ll let you know.
Thank you very much.
Your photographs are very amazing!!! Great work!!