Saturday morning we woke with the sun shining. The ice was nearly all gone, and a-birding we must go. We were accompanied by some lady friends/birders/photographers, Christie McCorts-Chambers and Julia Stewart. Full of enthusiasm, we set a goal of 40 species for the day.
We made a quick stop at the bird blind at San Angelo State Park first. We saw just the usual resident birds, doves, sparrows, etc., but we had heard that there was a Spotted Towhee nearby. It didn’t show, so we headed to the north portion of the park, about nine miles away. With such a nice day, we hoped have a better sighting of the rare Lewis’s Woodpecker that has been hanging around past few weeks. Fortunately, it was still there, and I was finally able to get acceptable images.
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Lewis’s Woodpecker in flight.
You know, when you get right down to it, the Lewis’s is not the prettiest of the woodpeckers. But we can’t all be great looking. 🙂
After checking out the area there, we headed to the local parks in the Lake Nasworthy area. Here are a few highlights from there.
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Ring-necked Duck
For birding, the day was great as we saw a total of 41 species total. We added 17 to our 2015 list bringing it to a total of 44. A nice start to the year. As for the photography, with 20-30 mile winds, we didn’t really get that many opportunities, or I should say that, in honesty, I didn’t get very many keepers. I am picky about the pictures that I show you.
But it was nice to have such a beautiful day, even though the high winds were cool. The company was great and it was great fun. And I will never complain about seeing 41 species in one day. Click on the photos to see enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
I had such a wonderful time that day. The Lewis’s Woodpecker was exciting to see. It’s been there since November, wonder how long it will hang around? Another exciting capture that day for me was the American Kestrel, I had never seen one before.
Can’t wait til our next adventure 🙂
Yes, we had a super time, too. I am surprised that the Lewis’s Woodpecker has hanged around this long. Looks like it intends to stay awhile. We’re looking forward to another great birding day, too, Christie. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
I don’t know, i think the Lewis’s is pretty spectacular. Congratulations on building your list. Beautiful photos. 🙂
Thanks, Lisa. So, here we go again. New year, new goals. 🙂
The Lewis woodpecker pictures are awesome! I’ve learned the hard way that getting acceptable images of the woodpeckers is…difficult 🙂
Thanks for your nice comment, Tiny, I appreciate it. 🙂
I’m glad you got to see the Lewis’s woodpecker again! Loved the yellow-rumped warbler shot. Sounds like an excellent day of birding! (I will try to not be jealous, I know spring is only 75 days away! 🙂 )
I’m, too, am glad. It may be a few years before one shows up here again. We are pretty far from it’s usual range. But, yes, a fun day. I’ll count the days with you…….. 🙂
Great shots of the Lewis’ Woodpecker. Carl White
Thanks, Carl. The bird was about 100 yards shooting distance and I had to crop quite a bit. Glad you enjoyed.