American Robin – A sign of spring?

In my previous post, I posted a photo of an American Robin.  It was the first that I had seen this year.  Yesterday, I saw another.  Are they really a harbinger of spring?

American Robin

Actually, the range maps show they are residents of most of Texas, including my area, the year around.  I guess they don’t like to show unless the weather is on the mild side.  Of course, that could also be said of me. 🙂

While we were in the area at Spring Creek Park here in San Angelo, we decided to have another look for the nest of a Great Horned Owl.  Our friend, Randy Hesford, showed us where it was at.  It turned out that the nest is down in the fork of a tree, and can’t be seen unless the female is on the nest, as only her head shows.  I took this shot.  The light was in the wrong place at this particular time.

Great Horned Owl – female on nest.

As you can see, she really blends in, and is very difficult to spot.  It will be really fun to watch for the young owlets to fledge in a couple of months.

Earlier we visited the water treatment ponds at Eldorado, Texas, about 40 miles south of here.  A plethora of water fowl were in attendance.  The ponds are huge, about 250 yards across.  Of course, the ducks are usually on the far side, too, making photography difficult in the bouncing waves.  I didn’t get any photos of them on the water that I was really proud of.  I did get this shot of some Northern Shovelers in flight.

Northern Shovelers

Nearby, this American Kestrel took flight.

American Kestrel

Back in San Angelo, I had an opportunity to photograph the state bird.  The Northen Mockingbird.  For some reason or other, I have a tendency to ignore these birds, probably because there are so many of them.  However, I liked the pose that this one presented.

Northern Mockingbird

That’s it for this time.  Enjoy the photos.  Click on any of them to see enlargements.

 

Happy Birding!!