I received my Canon 7D Mark II back from the factory Thursday evening. I had a mishap a few weeks ago, and I had messed up the focus system. I sent it off to Canon, and in eight days they had it repaired and back to me. A great turn-a-round time. Anyway, I was anxious to see if all was in working order. It was, and I must say that I am so impressed with difference in the IQ of it over the 70D, which, by the way, produces darned fine images. It performed greatly while I was using it as a back-up until I got the Mark II back.
So, anyway, we headed out to the local parks around Lake Nasworthy. We didn’t stay there long. We had forgotten about the long Easter weekend, and those parks were crowded with campers, hikers, RVers, walkers, bicyclists, fishermen, etc. Not much chance of doing any nature photography there.
We went with Plan B and headed out to San Angelo State Park. Not too many people there, mainly because of the absence of the lake. Just the mile-wide dry lake bed.
We checked out the blind and caught a few birds there. These three images needed very little post processing. Just a bit light adjusting, and a tad more contrast. Like I said, the Canon 7D Mark II is just amazing.
Pyrrhuloxia
Canyon Towhee
Spotted Towhee
After spending about some time in the blind, we decided to just take a drive around the park to see what else we might come across.
We saw a Rock Wren up in the rocks of O.C. Fisher Dam. Very difficult to see, and only if you happen to catch movement. Ann spotted it, looking very tiny. Actually too tiny, and too far away for a usuable photo.
A little later we did spot our first of the year Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. I knew they were due to arrive, as usual, around the first of April. It was in a small tree way off to the left of us. I got this shot of him before he flew off. I didn’t get a really tack-sharp photo, but that was my fault. Hey, I’m not perfect. Anyway, here is the result.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
I hope you enjoyed these photos. If you are viewing them on your computer, or iPad, click on the images to see some nice enlargements.
Happy Easter! and Happy Birding!!
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Hope you had a wonderful Easter, Bob! Thanks for the great shot of the pyrrhuloxia! I continue to be fascinated by them and would love to see one some day!
We did, Amy, thanks. Glad you like the Pyrrhuloxia. Come on down and have a look at one. 🙂
I am ready to pack my bags!
Enjoyed your photos-Happy Easter and I am going out Happy Birding now.
Thanks, Jane, have fun!!
Great pics, Bob! A very Happy Easter to you and Ann, too.
A belated thanks, Jo. The same to you and Colin. 🙂
So glad to hear that you got your treasured 7dMII back none the worse for the incident Bob. You have such interesting birds there. The Pyrrhuloxia is beautiful. Great shot of it and the other birds as well. What a tail on the flycatcher! Loved all of these. 🙂
Yes I am a happy man now. I appreciate all of your nice compliments. 🙂
I’ve never seen a Pyrrhuloxia. They look very Cardinal-like. Are they a related species? Nice photos!
Yes they are both in the ‘cardinalis’ family. Some people refer the Pyrrhuloxia as the “Desert Cardinal” because of it’s environs. Thanks for the compliments.
delightful photos..love the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher..he a beautiful bird..I got to see my first American Kestrel yesterday here in Colorado..what a thrill..Happy Easter and Blessings to you both
Thanks, Syl, for all of those nice words. Glad you saw that American Kestrel. I love those feisty little hawks.
Glad you got the Scissor-tail. It is interesting to watch them move thru area (the “Valley”). Yesterday, I saw them moving thru in groups (flocks??) of 4-6 birds. Thanks for sharing your pics.
Thanks, Dave. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Next up, watching for Western Kingbirds, then a little later the Painted Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, etc. Spring birding is great fun. 🙂