It is nice to have rain here in west Texas, but I would love to have it in larger amounts. I know that sounds selfish, but these little sprinkles we have today, along with the cool temps and blustery winds, don’t do much to ease our drought. We need some big gully-washers.
Great Blue Heron chicks on nest.
Nevertheless, I did get out a little today. First I stopped at the Shannon Clinic to get an innoculation, then while downtown, checked on the young ones on the Great Blue Heron nest. The chicks are getting larger, but staying near the nest so they are available so their mother, pictured atop a nearby branch, can bring them their daily meals.
adult Great Blue Heron
From there we decided to check in at San Angelo State Park and see if there had been any recent run-off into the lake. Surprisingly, there was an acre or two of very, very shallow water. Well, it’s a start. But most likely it will evaporate before we get another measurable rain on the watershed.
Common Nighthawk
While driving around the park we saw our first roosting Common Nighthawk of the year. We had seen several in flight a few days ago, when they were feeding on the flying insects in the evening. We also saw this Curve-billed Thrasher nearby in a tree. I just love the fierce look that these guys always have.
Curve-billed Thrasher
Since the weather was seemingly getting a little more inclement, we decided to head for the house. Click on any image to see some enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Great photos Bob. Thanks for posting the shot of the nighthawk. Since I was a little boy I have always liked the bird. I think part of it is the name. Nighthawk is just a cool name! The trasher does look fierce!
Thanks, for your comment, Dave. I’ve been trying to photograph one in flight. Nearly impossible without me falling on my butt. They are very fast, but I’ll keep trying. 🙂
Absolutely adore the Herons and the Nighthawk. I’m trying to absorb all this…in between work assignments (!). Thanks!
Thanks, Lisa. You are one of my favorite commenters and I am glad you are enjoying all this stuff. 🙂
So cool for you to be able to watch the herons grow up! Love that pic of the nighthawk. Praying for rain for y’all.
Thanks for the comment and the prayer, Amy. 🙂
Love the heron chicks! Saw my first tri-color yesterday in full breeding plumage. How beautiful he was — let me watch him preen his feathers a good long while over lunch.
I’m envious. I haven’t seen a tri-colored around here in two years. thanks for the compliment, Shannon.
as always the Herons are marvelous..but I agree with you the Curved bill Thrasher has an aggressive pose …the Night Hawks are interesting birds to say the least. We are having a blustery cold day here in Colorado, windy, but no rain. It snowed on Wolf Creek Pass this morning..Springtime in the Rockys..have a great day…
Thanks for your comment, Syl. You have a great day, too.
Nice bird pictures, i like bird most when they are singing. at my home two swallow are coming all day and singing, very sweety
Thanks, Ilia, I appreciate your comment.
Great pictures! I was at the state park last year and saw a note someone had left at the overlook that said “Pray for rain”. I did but I guess it hasn’t helped.
Thanks for stopping by, Walktx. I remember that note. We did get a little rain later, but as things happen around here, it dried up again. It just wasn’t enough. But we stay patient.