I am dedicating this post to our new little birding friends, Angie, age 9 and Scottie, age 10. They go out into their neighborhood and count species, logging them into a little journal.
Angie’s journal
I think Ann and I had a bit of influence on them. Yesterday they counted 23 different species. A couple of naturalists in the making. Shannon, their mother took the above photo and sent it to me.
Today Ann and I went out, the first time in about a week. At first, we didn’t see very many species but as we stayed patient we started to see a few here and there and ended up spotting a total of 26. This Golden-fronted Woodpecker was one of the first we saw.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Then came along a Black-crested Titmouse.
Black-crested Titmouse
This gorgeous, Great Horned Owl stared me down.
Great Horned Owl
A Red-tailed Hawk hunted from the top of a tree.
Red-tailed Hawk
It finally got restless and decided to leave for different hunting grounds.
Red-tailed Hawk
Just getting these photos made the whole trip worth while. Click on any of them to see enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
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How did I miss this post?? I love these photos. The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker is beautiful, and that Red-Tailed Hawk taking flight is such a handsome bird. Thanks for sharing, Bob!
Hi, Judy, Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
I am always stunned at the plumage of Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, they are amazing! Lovely photos. Well done to you and Ann for helping to inspire a new generation of bird watchers!
Thank you very much, Jo. Those woodpeckers are my favorite of the species, simply because they are so photogenic. I appreciate your lovely comment.
Has got to be some of your best work. That Owl is beautiful.
Thanks so much, Duane. I really appeciate your compliments.
That is good news! You will probably never know how many you have influenced in birding. Glad you stuck it out and got the great photos. The red-tailed hawk leaving is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing! hugs
Thank you so much for your kind words, Beth.
That first journal entry stole my heart too! It’s why I had to share. Angie was enamored with Ann’s birding journal during your visit and was quick to make her one of her own. With Scottie’s ear for calls and songs, the two teamed up on a mission down the street on their bikes, Angie with the binoculars and camera, to log as many species as they could within an hour. Apparently, 30 species is no problem on my street! (Now I KNOW we’re Home. I may never move from this paradise.). We celebrated their findings with s’mores by the creek — watching the ibises, ducks and spoonbills fly off to roost.
It’s the little things, Bob, that make this girl happy. Thanks for posting those beautiful birds for us to enjoy!
Shannon, thanks for your very nice comment. I love that your children are so fond of us that they want to follow up on what we do. I am glad that you realize what a “paradise” that you have. Would have loved to have been there for the s’mores and celebration.
And I love making you happy, Shannon. 🙂
Yay for new nature enthusiasts! Wonderful photos Bob. 🙂
Thanks for the great comment, Alison. I love to see young people get so involved with nature.
love the kids..your photos are so clear and absolutely beautiful in color and composition.
Thanks, Syl, for those kind words. I give credit to the post processing that I do. I seem to have a knack for that. 🙂
Wow, that woodpecker is stunning!
I’m so curious now – is the one listed under Red-shouldered Hawk a “Moving Bird,” “Mating Bird,” or “Molting Bird”?
Ah just got it – Mockingbird!
I don’t quite understand your question……?
Sorry, I was trying to read Angie’s birding list and having trouble making out one of the birds listed. It’s so great that you’re getting the kids into birding. They’re very lucky.
Okay, Katie, now I understand what you were asking. When I saw that photo, it just stole my heart. 🙂
Thank you so much, Tough. I appreciate it.
Good to hear about the young folks birding! Keep up the good work with jaw-dropping photos. Your photos are worthy of publication in a field guide, etc. I had been missing the email posts and needed a birding fix! Thanks
Joe Robinette, Sul Ross ex, Retired now in Colorado City, TX
Thank you so much, Joe. Those are very kind words, and I certainly appreciate it. I hope you continue to enjoy my photos