We have returned from our stay at Fort Davis in the Davis Mountains. I must say it is one of our best trips there, although the thunderstorms and hail did make things interesting. First though, before I get to my photographs, there was an “it’s a small world type of thing”.
We have some friends, Suzanne and Sid Johnson, that live in Eldorado, Texas which is about 40 miles south of where we live in San Angelo. We see them occasionally through the year. Suzanne recently retired and they bought an RV and have been traveling around the state. Well, we were on our way the the Davis Mountains, as as we passed the Balmorhea State Park I noticed a Belted Kingfisher on the power line outside the park along the road. We just happened to be near the entrance to the park. As I was trying to photograph the kingfisher, a pickup pulling an RV pulled out of the entrance. The lady in the truck waved to us and jumped from the vehicle. She turned out to be Suzanne. Co-incidentally they were heading for the Davis Mountains State Park to stay for a few nights. We, of course, were heading to nearby Fort Davis to stay, so we were able to get together and go birding with them during our stay. Much fun.
Now for the photos. First we saw a total of 65 species during our trip. Most from the Davis Mountains area, Davis Mountains State Park, Balmorhea State Park, and Lake Balmorhea. Here is a sampling of those images.
American Kestrel
Red-tailed Hawk atop a utility pole.
Chipping Sparrow
House Finch – female
Ladder-backed Woodpecker at Davis Mountains State Park
Clark’s Grebes
Western Grebes
An interested spectator.
Snowy Egret making a landing.
Great Blue Heron catching a small snack.
Greater Roadrunner in a yucca plant.
White-faced Ibis
Vesper Sparrow
Swainson’s Hawk
Scaled Quail
Western Scrub-Jay
I think that is the most images that I have ever published in a single post. I hope you enjoyed them. Click on any image to see enlargements if you are reading this on a computer.
Happy Birding!!!
Wonderful! I am so jealous of the quantity of birds in your area, but really appreciate your ability to capture them in pictures.
Thanks so much, Linda. It is great to live out here in west Texas where I can take short trips to places like the Davis Mountains. I appreciate your nice compliment. 🙂
I have looked through these fantastic bird pictures several times, saying to myself, “That one is my favorite!” and then, “No, I think this one is my favorite!” And then…. Well, you get the picture, Bob. I guess I will just settle on the Ladder-backed woodpecker and the red-tail hawk. Oh, yes, and let’s throw in the “interested spectator.” A fine post, as always!
Thanks for the great comment, Trail Walker. I am glad you liked all of the photos. It was a fun trip to be able to see so many species, and to be able to photograph them.
Sounds like a fab trip, Bob, especially meeting up with your friends as well.
It was great, Jo. Huge fun. Meeting our friends made it even better.
Great blog! I always enjoy your postings and your sharing your passion for outdoor photography with us. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Ernie. I appreciate your commenting and visiting my blog. I am glad you are enjoying it. 🙂
Loved seeing the scaled quail photo. First saw them at a rest stop outside of Junction Tx during a trip from California to Corpus. Many years ago.
Thank you, Joseph, for the comment and for visiting my blog. I hope you will visit again. 🙂
These are fantastic, Bob. Very sharp and quite a variety.
Thank you, Trail Walker. I appreciate it very much.
I think you just keep getting better or maybe luckier. Great captures, Bob and Ann.
Well, Bob, the harder I work and the more I practice, the luckier I get. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Amazing variety of species Bob! All well captured too. What a beautiful bovine. 😉
Thank you very much, Alison. Yes, I thought that cow/bull was very unique. 🙂
Enjoyed ALL these beautiful birds!!
Thanks Linda, for that nice comment. 🙂
Nice mix of birds, well and a cow, represented here Bob. I love the American Kestrel, what a beauty!
Many thanks, Jag, I always appreciate your comments. 🙂