We went birding on Sunday and decided to visit San Angelo State Park first. While we were at the blind a Cooper’s Hawk swooped in on a raid to try to snatch one of the smaller birds. As far as I know he was successful, but he decided to hang around for awhile. He never showed himself in an open pose, but I could see him peeking out from branches about one hundred feet away. I was able to get this shot.
We then drove through the North section of the park, intent on seeing the Lewis’s Woodpecker again. Again, he was still in the area, but not high in some trees where he has been hanging around since early November. So we drove around looking for him, then when we were in another area. about 500 yards away from the original spot, we saw him in the distance. Too far for a photograph. Other than that, Sunday was mostly a bust as far as getting any good pictures.
On Tuesday, Ann and I drove out to the parks around Lake Nasworthy. Birds were again a little scarce but there were many Great Blue Herons. I had received my Tamron 150-600m lens back from the factory, where they had upgraded the firmware in it, and I was anxious to try it out.
Also we stopped by the the beach at Mary Lee Park to see if there were any gulls besides the resident Ring-bills. Occasionally a Herring Gull or a Boneparte’s Gull will make an appearance, so I always check. No other gull species but we did see a Forster’s Tern in the distance, sitting on a buoy. This Ring-billed Gull was practicing his hand-stand.
Since I didn’t get many new bird photos for you, I decided to add some more from my archives. Here are a few that may be new to you.
I nearly identified this Hermit Thrush as a Swainson’s, as I thought the eye-ring was more ‘buffy’ in appearance and the spots were more triangular, consistent of a Swainson’s. But the coloring of the feathers really favor a Hermit Thrush.
Positively awe-inspiring! That heron shot, it was like I was standing right there with you!! Thanks for sharing the great photos from your archives. The hermit thrush song is my FAVORITE up north sound, with the whip-o-will coming in second. 🙂
Amy, what more can I say. You always are way too nice with your compliments. But please know that I really appreciate you. 🙂
Love the Ring billed gull..the balance act…your photos are so good…love them all really.
Thank you so much, Syl. I appreciate it.
Superb captures, Bob, the little Eastern Bluebird is a cutie!
Thanks, Donna. I love those Bluebirds. 🙂
Beautiful birds, wonderful photos of them Bob. 🙂
Thank you very much, Alison. 🙂
Nice shots Bob! 🙂
Thanks, H.J.