A Very Birding Merry Christmas

First, I want to say Merry Christmas to all of my readers around the world.  Thanks to all who take the time to comment over the years.  I appreciate all of you.

Today, I just want to share with you a few images that I have captured over the past few days.  The weather has been very nice here in west Texas, albeit a bit windy.  But, personally, I will take mild temps and a bit of wind, over the cold winter days I remember from my childhood in Michigan.

We spent most of our time at Spring Creek and Middle Concho Parks near Lake Nasworthy.  By the way, I have been accused of training these birds to pose for me.  Not so. They seem to feel that I am some kind of a bird whisperer and are willing to co-operate. 🙂

One more thing, if you can click on the image, you will see some very nice enlargements, especially if you are reading this on a computer.

All photos were captured using my Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a Tamron 150-600mm super tele-zoom lens.  Hand-held and photographed from my 2016 Ford Escape mobile blind.

This juvenile White-crowned Sparrow posed nicely for me.

White-crowned Sparrow

No birding trip can be complete without spotting one of our state birds, the Northern Mockingbird.

Northern Mockingbird

In Spring Creek Park, there was an abundance of Cedar Waxwings.  I found a water puddle where many of them were partaking of a sip or two.

Cedar Waxwing

On the water, there were a few American Coots, a duck that I usually take for granted and mostly ignore.

American Coot

Along the shore, in the mud, we spotted this Wilson’s Snipe.  In the open, I didn’t need to go on a snipe hunt. 🙂

Wilson’s Snipe

Across the water, a good 200 yards away we saw this Black-crowned Night Heron, again out in the open.  For several previous days, we could see him in the denser brush, but not visible enough for photos.

Black-crowned Night Heron

A female Ladder-backed Woodpecker peering into her handiwork.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker – female

Along the fence line I got lucky to catch a Ruby-crowned Kinglet as he stopped for a split second on a branch.  They hardly ever sit still for long.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Another handsome Northern Mockingbird sat on the fence.

Northern Mockingbird

We were treated to many Yellow-rumped Warblers.  This one is of the Audubon variety.

Yellow-rumped Warbler – Audubon variety

This American Goldfinch took my by surprise.

American Goldfinch

A Ladder-backed Woodpecker seemed to be contemplating a blade of grass.  I wonder what that was all about.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

So that’s it for this time around.  Again, a very Merry Christmas to all of my friends, relatives, and fellow bloggers.

‘Til the next time, Happy Birding!

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