Tuesday began with overcast skies again. Temperatures were quite nice, though. With the cloudy skies I decided to get out of the house and visit the blind at San Angelo State Park. I love the lighting in these conditions; no bright sunlight or harsh shadows. Ann had to do some household chores, so I could concentrate more on my bird photography, and less on just bird watching.
When I first got there, I first saw a Spotted Towhee, (Pipilo maculatus), darting in and out of some nearby brush. Occasionally, he would flit up into a small tree.
Spotted Towhee
Then there were the two Pyrrhuloxia, (Cardinalis sinuatus), a male and a female. Two very beautiful birds. One, the male, was in a bird feeder.
Pyrrhuloxia (male)
The female was peeking around from a small log.
Pyrrhuloxia (female)
I hope you enjoyed the photos. Click on any image to see a beautiful enlargement. More to come soon.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Beautiful photos indeed- I’m always impressed with your work, Bob!
Thanks, Tracy. You are too nice. 🙂
Gorgeous as usual! I have never heard of those cardinal-like birds! LOVE the one peeking!
Thanks, Sheila. The Pyrrhuloxia is a bird that is only found in southwest Texas, southern Arizona and southern New Mexico. I appreciate your compliments. 🙂
Bob
Thanks for sharing……the shot of the male Cardinal on the feeder turned out really nice and sharp. I have never seen this type of Cardinal before. It is really nice to see the different species of Cardinals from around the country.
Actually, it is a Pyrrhuloxia. But they are in the cardinal family. Thanks, for the compliments and the comment.
Great photos Bob!
Thanks a bunch, Karen, I appreciate it. 🙂
Nice images, Bob. I take it that things are being better maintained in the blind?
A little better. New windows. Feeding is usually late, so I put some out myself
The Pyrrhuloxias are amazing birds – what a massive beak! Love the female’s character in the last image. Beautiful images once again, Bob.
Thanks,Jo, you know how I appreciate your comments. 🙂
Lovely little birds! Fantastic photos, Bob!
Thank you very much, Karen. 🙂
I especially like the female Pyrrhuloxia. That’s an adorably coquettish pose you captured! 😉
Thanks, Karaen, I really appreciate your comments. 🙂
Love the spotted towhees. Sometimes they play hard-to-get!
You got that right, Cindy. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Love those Towhees. Our won’t be arriving for several more weeks.
Thanks, Dave, for the comment. I appreciate it. 🙂
I got a question for you, Bob. Is it unusual for a female cardinal to have a white crown?
Yes, Toby, I would think it very unusual for a Northern Cardinal to have a white crown. Personally, I have never heard of that happening. But I guess it could happen to be some kind of morph or quirk.
Nice shots, Bob. By the way, how do you pronounce Pyrrhuloxia?
Jim Cunningham
Okay, here goes. It is pronounced pie-roll-LOXia. That is pretty close. 🙂 Thanks for the comment, Jim.
Okay, your photos have convinced me that I really need to get a better camera. On the other hand, perhaps I should go back to the posts where you talk about the photography itself and give myself a lesson. Fantastic photos as usual!
Yes, do the second part of your comment. A better camera doesn’t necessarily do a better job. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I’ve never seen a Towhee yet, and probably won’t see that “Cardinal on steroids” (Pyrrhuloxia) either… but I have seen a Black Capped Chickadee or two at my bird feeders these past two weeks! So cute! Hey, I’ll take what I can get, and let you bring me the rest! Lovely!
~ Lynda
Thanks, Lynda. We don’t have the Black-capped Chickadees here very often.
As usual, great photos. I love the birds with the crests..last two shots are awesome. Who says birds don’t have character? Look forward to more posts..
Thanks, Syl. They definitely have character. 🙂
Love those Spotted Towhee shots Bob. That species has been another nemesis for me – the only time I’ve ever been close to one I was TOO close…
The Spotted Towhees are elusive. They usually stay pretty much hidden and just dart out of the brush for a tidbit, then disappear just as quick. Thanks for the comment.
I love the last two birds… That start with a P :). That male is so stunning and I love how the female was peaking out from behind a log. So cute! Great post, Bob! I look forward to the photos to come 🙂
Thanks so much, Polly. I appreciate it. 🙂
I’m envous, I would love to photograph Pyrrhuloxias, they are fascinating to me. Lovely images as always Bob!
Thanks so much, Mia. I agree they are fascinating, and I am finally learning how to spell their name. HeeHee! 🙂
Those red eyes are amazing on the Towhee! The Pyrrhuloxia is a fascinating looking bird, people pay good money to have hair like that!! 😉
Thanks for the amusing comment, Holly. 🙂