Female Black-chinned Hummingbird – I struggled with the identification of this bird. While my heart and gut told me it had to be a female Black-chinned Hummingbird, the markings were a little confusing. There is a bit of white line above the eye of this bird. The classic photos of Black-chinned Hummingbirds do not show …
Female Black-chinned Hummingbird – Our Texas Red Sage, Salvia greggii attracts many hummingbirds. We are relatively sure that the females build nests nearby in the neighborhood because their flight paths when arriving and departing our backyard seem to mirror one another. It is impossible to see where they go when they leave because the houses …
Backyard House Finch – Our backyard has long attracted a limited variety of birds. However, the limited species does not mean we see few birds. We have had days in the late spring and early summer when we have seen 15 or more species of birds. The House Finch is a common visitor to our …
Black-chinned Hummingbird Feeding on Texas Sage – Several years ago we transformed our yard into one that is more reflective of what can be seen naturally occurring in Central Texas. In doing so, we reduced our reliance on watering and fertilizing a lawn that is not natural to the area. Texas Red Sage or Salvia …
Clarks Nutcracker on a Snag – While at the only rest area along the Beartooth Highway, I spotted this Clark’s Nutcracker on a snag several yards off the pavement. With my then very new 150 to 600mm lens, I was able to bring the bird in much closer. Through the magic of cropping, I then …
Great Egret Stretching a Wing – As I watched this Great Egret over just a few minutes, he spent some time preening and then turned his back to me. Shortly after turning, he decided to stretch out a wing. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary occupies approximately 13,000 acres in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed in Southwest …
Great Egret Tail Plumage – With his head bowed and facing away from me, this Great Egret took on the appearance of a faceless bearded man. A bit spooky in the darkness of the swamp. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary occupies approximately 13,000 acres in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed in Southwest Florida, part of the …
Great Egret Preening – This view of this beautiful bird highlights his elegant breeding plumage. The long feathers on his side and tail and the green mask around his eyes and above the beak. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary occupies approximately 13,000 acres in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed in Southwest Florida, part of the Western …
Great Egret – After preening and making himself look his best, he now waits for a possible mate to arrive. He contrasts well with foliage. During a February 2017 visit to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, I found this Great Egret lurking in the shadows. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary occupies approximately 13,000 acres in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed …
Is That the Sun? – While I am certain this Tricolored Heron was looking into the water with the other eye, it certainly does look like maybe he was wondering, “Is that the sun?” During a February trip to South Florida with friends that included day trips to Everglades National Park, we took advantage of …