First, let me say that my new feature, the weekly bird ID quiz, has been a really big hit with my readers. It began with the first one yesterday, and I hope to continue it on a regular weekly basis. They will be educational but yet, still entertaining. I know that the hard part will be for you to have to wait a week for the results. But I want everyone to have a chance to vote. If you haven’t voted yet, click bird quiz, or see recent posts at right side of page.
Your vote is important and you don’t have to worry about anyone knowing how you vote. Your name will not show up anywhere. I will publish the results next weekend, and then introduce next one. So, let’s have some fun! 🙂
Today begins a new week and hopefully some more new birds will start to appear. On Friday, when Ann and I made a drive through our local parks here in San Angelo, we saw our first Bullock’s Oriole, (Icterus bullockii), of the season. It was too quick for me to get a photograph, so the one I have here is one from a previous year.
Bullock's Oriole
The image was shot with my old EOS 40D and 100-400mm zoom lens. Exposure was 1/400 sec. @ f7.1, ISO 800. Click on the photo to see an enlargement.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Wow! The Bullock’s Oriole is a real cracker – love his orange, black and white plumage! Great shot, Bob!
Cheers
John
Thanks, John. The Bullock’s Orioles are just starting to arrive here in large numbers. I am anxious to get another shot at them. 🙂
Wow… very pretty.
Thank you very much, Karen. I appreciate it. 🙂
Its beautiful! I’m looking forward to my first Oriole sighting.
Thank you so much, Melissa. I hope you get to see one soon, and maybe get a better photograph than mine. 🙂
I too have never seen a Bullock Oriole..what a vibrant colored bird..love the shot..shows off his character..
Thanks for the great comment, Syl.
What an amazing looking bird! He is eye-popping. And I’d never even heard of a Bullock’s Oriole!
Thank you, Jo. I agree, his color is very vivid. 🙂
Jeez Bob, this is amazing…looks like you were standing right next to it!!!
Not quite, David, but close. About 120 feet away. 🙂
That’s a Beautiful bird.
Thanks, Adrian, I appreciate it.
I was thrilled to have some Orioles build a nest in the tree right outside one of our upstairs bedroom windows one year. Perfect viewing! They really are beautiful and amazing birds.
Thank you for the comment, Courtney??? 🙂
Karin, actually! 🙂
Thank you for that, Karin. It is so much more comfortable for me to comment and address someone by name. 🙂
Reblogged this on Found Round & About and commented:
Gorgeous color & detail!
Thank you very much, Tisha. 🙂
Wow, so beautiful! Great photo Bob. 🙂
Thank you very much, Chris. I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
What a beautiful bird.
Thanks you, Rev., I appreciate it very much.
So beautiful…great picture! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Analense. I really appreciate your comment and visiting my blog.
You are very welcome! 🙂
Beautiful bird! Great shot Bob! 🙂
Thanks a bunch, H.J.
Very nice image Bob. I look forward to the return of these birds every year – there’s usually a pair of them that nest very close to my back yard. The colors of the male are so incredibly vibrant!
The Bullock’s it the predominant oriole that we get here, but occasionally we get an Orchards and the Baltimore. Thanks for the comment, Ron.
This is a gorgeous Bullock’s image Bob, love the pose and the head tilt. I can’t wait to see these beauties here, they visit the yard!
Thank you very much,Mia. I appreciate your comment. I hope to see more, as well.
Beautiful image – I love the vibrant colors and contrast of the oriole, although I have never seen one myself!
Thanks, Shelly. Gosh, you’re fast. I just took my finger off of the publish button. 🙂