tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89331243264291965922024-03-06T01:17:19.517-06:00Birds Of The Texas PanhandleDalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-87025035906462845012018-12-28T14:52:00.000-06:002018-12-28T14:57:42.975-06:00Bald EagleEverybody knows this raptor - the Bald Eagle, the symbol of the United States of America. They have been increasing in numbers in the Texas panhandle as well as most of the rest of the country. We are shown to be in its Wintering range.<br />
<br />
These majestic birds will eat most anything - fish (its preferred cuisine), other birds, rabbits and muskrats, prairie dogs, carrion, or anything it can get its talons into that's edible. They will also steal prey from Ospreys or other birds - obviously, opportunistic predators. They hunt from high perches, but will hunt low over fields much the same way that Northern Harriers do.<br />
<br />
Bald Eagles nest in very tall trees, on cliffs, and sometimes on the ground. They have 1 - 3 eggs that incubate in 34 - 36 days. At least one parent is always in the nest for the first two weeks. Both will feed the hatchlings by tearing pieces off the prey and feeding it directly to the young. At around 3 - 6 weeks, they will start pecking at food dropped in the nest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/168600165/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/168600165/original.jpg" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="800" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mature Bald Eagle</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/168600164/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/168600164/large.jpg" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="800" height="100" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three Mature, Three Immature Bald Eagles</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-26514705185839414872018-12-28T14:28:00.001-06:002018-12-28T14:58:01.737-06:00Red Breasted NuthatchRed Breasted Nuthatches are found in coniferous forests. We have 9 Junipers lining our north side fence, and it could be where they are living. Texas is in its Wintering range. They breed throughout the Rocky Mountains and farther north across Canada.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/168483356/medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/168483356/medium.jpg" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="400" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Red-Breasted Nuthatch partakes of one of our feeders.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You may see these little rascals walking up and down tree trunks as they forage for bugs or seeds, often upside-down. Their 4 - 7 young are fed various bugs and spiders by both parents. Nuthatches nest in a rotten stub or snag up to 40' off the ground. The entrance to the hole is covered with a sticky pitch, presumably to keep other creatures from entering. They themselves fly in without stepping in it. They are thought to only have one brood per year. Nests are made with soft grass, moss, bark fibers, and feathers.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-56344205395832567442017-12-27T11:26:00.000-06:002017-12-27T11:26:15.147-06:00Brown CreeperThe Brown Creeper is a Nuthatch-like song bird, small and slender body, its beak curved slightly downward. It searched for insects and spiders while spiraling up a tree trunk, then making another pass from the bottom up. It winters over in Texas and much of the central and Eastern U.S., and is found year-round in the southern part of Canada, all along Pacific coast from California to Alaska, and in the Rockies as high as 11,000'. The Brown Creeper breeds mostly in mature evergreens and evergreen-deciduous forests. They have a high-pitched, warbling song.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/image/166766761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/image/166766761.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="618" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Creeper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-36616378668243097512015-01-25T14:39:00.001-06:002015-01-28T21:19:23.133-06:00Cooper's HawkA few days ago, we had a snow day off from work. I took the opportunity to watch our backyard feeders for any photo-op, after filling them - mostly because of the blanket of snow making it more difficult for birds to find their own food. Sparrows, Starlings, and White-Winged Doves visited throughout the day. They would all gather to eat, then all fly off into a nearby bush, then back to the feeders again. At one point, they all made a panicked exit and just disappeared. A few seconds later, this beautiful raptor showed up and lit on the fence near one of the feeders.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/158908853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/158908853.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cooper's Hawk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Cooper's will watch from a nearby location in the vicinity of bird feeders. On the menu for them are smaller birds such as sparrows. This one didn't get a meal this time, but he was nice enough to pose for me for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/158908712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/158908712.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cooper's Hawk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He also made a fly-by as he departed for other opportunities, allowing me to get a clear view of his underside.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/158908709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/158908709.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cooper's Hawk</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Cooper's can be found here in the panhandle all year 'round.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-45630736949080609592015-01-12T19:05:00.001-06:002015-01-12T19:05:17.156-06:00Blue HeronOn 4 October 2014, this Blue Heron was gracefully winging its way back and forth across Lake Theo at Caprock Canyons State Park near Quitaque, TX. They are a very patient "stand-and-wait" predator, waiting for an unsuspecting fish to swim by. They'll eat fish, snakes, amphibians, and rodents, but I never did get to see him hunting. As you see here, they fly with their necks folded back over their shoulders with their legs extended behind them. The Blue Heron is quite common here in the panhandle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157712098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157712098.jpg" height="175" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blue Heron</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-48812189419521936812015-01-12T18:54:00.001-06:002015-01-12T18:54:10.437-06:00Orange Crowned WarblerI photographed this Orange Crowned Warbler on 28 September 2014 in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Not brilliantly colored, these cute little birds forage in dense, low brush. They will even visit backyard feeders for suet, peanut butter, and sugar water. Their Orange Crown streak is rarely seen, so I consider myself lucky to see a bit of it in these photos. It has a thin, sharply-pointed bill, short wings, and a short/squared tail.<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/image/157613728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/image/157613728.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange Crowned Warbler</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157613730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157613730.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange Crowned Warbler</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157613729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157613729.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange Crowned Warbler and "Peeping Tom".</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-9582147661616366182015-01-11T13:06:00.000-06:002015-01-11T13:06:12.121-06:00Glossy IbisI took this Glossy Ibis photo on 7 September 2014 just South of Amarillo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157293414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/157293414.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is not common here, and the panhandle is not in its migratory range. Its normal range does not extend West of the Louisiana delta region. They are normally found along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and the Caribbean islands as indicated here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/pleg_falc_AllAm_map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/PHOTO/LARGE/pleg_falc_AllAm_map.gif" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
They have a long downward-curved bill, and long legs typical of wading birds.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-17043241791168902862015-01-11T12:44:00.001-06:002015-01-11T12:48:10.694-06:00Bewick's Wren<i>(Taken 5 July 2014 in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.)</i><br />
<br />
Bewick's Wren is a noisy, hyper little rascal. It's a medium-sized wren that holds its tail as you see here, and flicks it side-to-side as it bounces its way through the brush, and its bill curves slightly downward. Even though Bewick's Wren likes dry, brushy areas, they can be found in gardens and parks year round in the panhandle. Their diet consists of insects.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156454343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156454343.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bewick's Wren.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-83591734808670491892015-01-11T12:31:00.001-06:002015-01-11T12:35:05.634-06:00Barn SwallowTaken 4 July 2014, this Barn Swallow had 3 little ones in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Its striking colors and forked tail make this swallow easy to identify. A swift, erratic flight pattern makes them difficult to photograph in flight, so I was thankful this one took a few minutes to perch now and then - and to feed its young.<br />
<br />
The Barn Swallow feeds on the wing, catching insects in flight. <span style="font-family: inherit;">They can be found in fields, parks, roadway edges, meadows, marshes and ponds here in the panhandle. They build their mud nests under eaves and bridges, or in sheds and barns.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156431828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156431828.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barn Swallow.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156454342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156454342.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barn Swallow, Nest, and Young.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156454341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156454341.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Barn Swallow - Feeding Time.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-13866186570120393562015-01-11T11:17:00.001-06:002015-01-11T11:17:22.862-06:00Red Headed WoodpeckerThe Red Headed Woodpecker (taken on 15 June 2014, Wolf Creek Park near Perryton, TX) is easily identifiable by its crimson head and bold black-and-white body. Some call it the "flying checkerboard". No other American bird has this bright red hood, so it's quite easy to identify.<br />
<br />
The Read Headed Woodpecker will not only hammer for insects in wood like other woodpeckers, but will also catch them in flight or forage for them on the ground. They will also eat fruits, nuts, and seeds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156148256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156148256.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156148255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/156148255.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Red Headed Woodpecker. Tending its nest. Click for larger images.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-80133910762392144302015-01-11T10:58:00.002-06:002015-01-11T12:06:20.392-06:00Green HeronThis is the male Green Heron, taken in Palo Duro Canyon on 10 May 2014. This is the first one I've photographed here in the panhandle. Its body is only about 17" in length, and its neck is often retracted. Females are slightly smaller. The Green Heron is about the size of the American Crow. The panhandle is normally North of its Winter range, and West of its breeding range, but just catches its migration range. They are normally solitary and widely dispersed throughout their range.<br />
<br />
They hunt around the clock - usually by wading, but will dive for deeper prey and then swim back to shore using its webbed feet. They eat smaller fish like minnows and sunfish, and will even eat catfish and carp. Other entrees like insects, crustaceans and amphibians are fair game, too. It will either grab or spear its prey with its sturdy bill.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/155600139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/155600139.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Green Heron. Click for larger image.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-62179599328864571882015-01-11T10:28:00.000-06:002015-01-11T10:29:16.905-06:00Cedar WaxwingsI took this photo on 20 April 2014 in Caprock Canyons State Park near Quitaque, TX. No, they're not smooching. One is passing a tidbit to the other. They'll pick fruit and pass it on to others.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/155310707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/dtstanton/image/155310707.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cedar Waxwings. Click for larger image.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>(More about Cedar Waxwings </i><a href="http://panhandlebirds.blogspot.com/search/label/Cedar%20Waxwing"><i>here</i></a>.)<br />
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-32251273004237487912013-12-27T18:27:00.001-06:002014-09-29T19:23:46.717-05:00American Kestrel, Mountain Bluebird, Brown ThrasherOn Christmas Day, we headed out to see if we could snag some shots of some birds. It's been a while since we went out for that reason, so we were about due. On the way to Palo Duro Canyon, we stopped off at a couple of places to see what we could see.<br />
<br />
Adjacent to a park at the edge of civilization, there is a field. This field seems to be a popular hunting ground for American Kestrels - the most colorful member of the falcon family. As we went along the perimeter, on an aerial TV cable we saw one patiently watching for an entree. We managed to get some decent shots before his comfort level went off scale and he left.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/k7xwuut" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://tinyurl.com/k7xwuut" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(American Kestrel)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lq6ve5d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://tinyurl.com/lq6ve5d" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(American Kestrel)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These little falcons are about the size of a blue jay. Click on the label below to find out more about them.<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
The Mountain Bluebird is a first for me. I've only had peripheral glimpses of them before this outing. On the ridge of Palo Duro Canyon, in the evergreen bushes, were 5 or 6 of these gorgeous birds. The panhandle appears to be in the Winter range of these little fellas. They do not nest here. They eat ants, beetles, and an assortment of other insects. They swoop down from their perches to grab whatever dish presents itself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lctojpz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://tinyurl.com/lctojpz" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(Mountain Bluebird)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
The Brown Thrasher is a fairly timid little guy, and will dart in and out of the brush - much like the Spotted Towhee. Like most other thrashers, the Brown prefers running or hopping to flying.<br />
<br />
The Brown Thrasher eats insects (loves beetles), worms, grains, nuts,
berries, and fruit. Its numbers are said to be declining - possibly due
to the fragmentation of large, wooded habitat that it needs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/l6k6xp6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://tinyurl.com/l6k6xp6" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(Brown Thrasher)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>-Dale</i><br />
<br />
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-51679220246177998042013-12-17T17:07:00.000-06:002013-12-17T17:07:16.435-06:00MockingbirdWhen I restocked our feeders today, I disappeared and came back a little later with camera in hand. The usual sparrows were infesting the cage/cake feeder, and another feathery fellow I didn't expect.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/153825506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/153825506.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Western Mockingbird</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He stopped off at a nearby tree for a few minutes and let me take a few shots. Don't know, but he looks kind of young.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>-Dale</i></span>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-55717939273447105792013-08-18T20:07:00.000-05:002013-08-27T12:44:59.721-05:00Mississippi KiteThe time nears when the Mississippi Kites will be heading for South America. They depart in late August through late September. A few days ago, my wife and I saw a flock of 2 or 3 dozen Kites circling over a spot in town. We can only presume they are getting their flight plans in order in preparation for their migration. ;)<br />
<br />
I don't see them as much hanging around trees in our neighborhood, but today I saw a couple soaring overhead. This one was hanging out in one of the usual trees. I have no idea if it is one of the family that occupied our tree or not. I don't think it's the little one, because I wouldn't expect him to have full adult plumage this soon - but I could be wrong.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151889075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151889075.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Mississippi Kite)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-64446568472845770722013-08-07T05:44:00.005-05:002013-08-07T05:44:52.863-05:00Mississippi KiteThe young Mississippi Kite in our tree is out learning to hunt most of the time. He hasn't been hanging out in the tree very much lately. I don't know how many more times I'll be able to watch him. I created a montage of my images for a YouTube video for you to enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/Zpb0_vVBxtc/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zpb0_vVBxtc?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zpb0_vVBxtc?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Watching Speckles grow.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></div>
Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-70293971505651326212013-07-21T15:11:00.000-05:002013-07-21T15:11:00.613-05:00Mississippi KiteYes - another Kite post. Sorry, but I love these raptors.<br />
<br />
The little one fills the nest all by himself now. Nearly a full crop of feathers. I'm still anxiously awaiting seeing him soaring the skies. When he does, I'll feel like a proud papa.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151440742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151440742.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Mississippi Kite Nestling.)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-43189539997732223562013-07-20T11:03:00.000-05:002013-07-20T11:03:54.871-05:00Mississippi KiteWe recently got the dead wood cut out of the tree in our back yard. That was the tree Momma always kept watch from. She had to change to a neighbor's tree, where I think she gives me the "stink eye" from.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/m5vvg43" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://tinyurl.com/m5vvg43" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm waiting to see this little guy trying out his wings. Hopefully, I can catch his first attempts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/kmyck5x" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://tinyurl.com/kmyck5x" width="320" /></a></div>
.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-52599952778494307992013-07-17T18:21:00.001-05:002013-07-17T18:21:21.787-05:00Mississippi KiteSince I first saw their chick's fuzzy head over the edge of the nest the last week in June, this little guy has grown like a weed! In the last week, he's gained his juvenile colors, and is nearly ready to fly. He's no longer eating what his momma has "chewed up". Most of the time, momma drops a bug off, and the little one chows down on it. This is repeated many times throughout the day. In this video, momma "brings home the bacon" (a nice big, juicy bug) and shares it with her little stinker. <i>(It views well in Full Screen at 720p.)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lwd6kLfpleI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
After she leaves to get another course, he cleans the pieces up that were left behind in the nest. He's going to need all his strength pretty soon, when he first leaves the nest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mgysrg2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://tinyurl.com/mgysrg2" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Mississippi Kite Feeding Nestling)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can see all of the images I've posted of his progress in <a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/watching_a_chick_grow">my PBase Gallery</a>, titled "Watching A Chick Grow".<br />
Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-66428693386481413902013-07-03T22:13:00.000-05:002013-08-18T19:58:30.479-05:00Mississippi KiteToday, I watched Momma Kite doing some hunting. I don't know if she was hunting for her chick, or for herself. In this first image, she has zeroed in on a bug - also seen in this image. Her talons are at the ready, and she is diving after it. There is little hope for the bug at this point.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/m2vsr4u" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://tinyurl.com/m2vsr4u" width="246" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(A Mississippi Kite dives after a bug.)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In this next image, you can see that she indeed has captured the bug. Look closely in the clutches of her right foot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lq6fo4g" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://tinyurl.com/lq6fo4g" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(This Mississippi Kite has captured herself a snack.)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If this one is for herself, she will most likely eat it on the fly. Mississippi Kites seldom land to eat. They will quite often stay airborne, eat, and hunt some more. No need to waste energy landing and returning to the air. It is a simple matter for this 12-15" raptor to stay aloft, soaring lazily on its 3' wingspan.<br />
.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-81128013508107282462013-07-01T07:52:00.001-05:002013-07-01T07:52:45.531-05:00Mississippi KiteI don't blame mommy and daddy Kites for trying to protect their little one. He is a cute little thing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151034304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151034304.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Mississippi Kite hatchling)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
His parents have been doing an excellent job caring for him. Here, the female keeps a close eye on me as she heads out to get the second course of her little one's dinner. Those are some formidable looking talons!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151081916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151081916.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(Female Mississippi Kite)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-89204568018780854512013-06-27T11:55:00.002-05:002017-07-11T08:46:02.474-05:00Mississippi KiteYesterday I was talking with our neighbor - who lives in the house on the other side of the Kite nest. Momma Kite was tending to her hatchling(s), and her mate was in a tree in front of our house. As I was talking to the neighbor, Mr. Kite swooped down and buzzed us, smacking me on the head with his wing as he flew by. Our neighbor's eyes bugged out and his mouth dropped open. First time he had ever seen that happen. I had previously given him a "heads up" about the nest and possibility of getting buzzed, after which he got buzzed himself.<br />
<br />
This was a first for me, a Kite making contact during a fly-by. I had heard stories of other people getting "attacked", but I have never been until yesterday - and I've been buzzed a lot over the years. (No, I don't really consider it an "attack", per se'.)<br />
<br />
I'm thinking that whether or not one gets contacted during a buzzing depends on the individual Kite - how intent he/she might be on protecting the nest and chicks, and of course, how much of a threat they think a "target" might be. <br />
<br />
Hopefully, I won't get any talons in my scalp during these incidents. If I do, I will understand completely and not hold it against them.<br />
<br />
After rescuing a young Kite when we found it orphaned, dehydrated and hungry, I'm not the least bit put off when a Kite pair cares for (and protects) its family.<br />
<br />
This is the actual gentleman that tagged me:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151012372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/151012372.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From the <a href="http://icwdm.org/handbook/birds/MississippiKites.asp">Internet </a><a href="http://icwdm.org/handbook/birds/MississippiKites.asp">Center for Wildlife Damage Management</a>: <br />
<br />
"Some Mississippi kites create problems by diving at and frightening
people who venture near their nests (Fig. 2). The diving behavior is
initiated to protect the nest and young, but occurs at less than 20% of
the nests. Diving increases as incubation progresses and is most
prevalent after hatching. Often both parents dive and emit shrill cries
when the nest is threatened. These alarm calls often attract other
kites, which also harass the intruder. Although kites may swoop within
inches of an individual, only 3% of 903 dives recorded at one golf
course resulted in the birds actually hitting humans. These attacks,
however, can be serious if elderly individuals or children riding
bicycles are frightened and fall. After the young leave their nests, the
diving behavior stops."<br />
.<br />
<br />
<i>[<b>Addendum</b> - 11 July 2017:</i><br />
<i>After all these years, I've come to wonder if the diving contacts aren't made for a simple reason. These birds are predators. When you run or try to avoid a predator, its natural tendency is to get more aggressive and try to catch whatever is trying to avoid it. The times I've been hit on the head, it's never met with talons or injury. I have never made "escape" movements. I wonder if I had, if the Kite would have tried to "catch" me with its talons. Food for thought. This may be the reason that some people have been injured by them when they dive.]</i>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-91534152942034260522013-06-24T18:03:00.000-05:002013-07-03T22:28:13.661-05:00Mississippi KitesIn the last day or two, we've gained two Mississippi Kite chicks. I suspected as much when there was more "buzzing" activity from the adults in recent days. They've buzzed my wife and I, and they've buzzed the neighbors. Their nest is right between our houses.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, when the nest was built, it wasn't done by Kites. Euro-Collared Doves built it. I don't know what happened, but one day I saw a Kite in it - and then it began. She laid her eggs and never left the nest from what I saw. I expect she might have briefly now and then, but I never saw her leave. Daddy brought her food regularly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/150413678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/150413678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Ms. Kite in her nest, incubating her eggs.)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Today is the first day I saw any fuzzy little heads poking up. I also saw Mommy bring them something to eat (obviously feeding two), and while I didn't see the second chick I did see its fuzz through the nest materials. You can see it in this pic. Look to the left of the obvious one, and a little bit down.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/150978739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/150978739.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Two Mississippi Kite Chicks)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will try to watch this family closely, because I know they will grow very fast!<br />
<br />
<br />
****************** <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Update, 6/26/2013:<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">I
didn't know they did, but Ms. Kite appears to be panting in this video I shot this afternoon. We're in the
middle of some 100+ degree days, and I'm hoping they can weather them
ok. (We have a bird bath close by, that I hope she will make use of.)
The chicks only hatched a few days ago. Towards the end of this video
clip, you can see one of them moving below her wing on the right side.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/olcgg4j">http://tinyurl.com/olcgg4j</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
I may have been mistaken. There may only be one chick. I thought by the way Momma was acting that there was a second one. However, I've only seen one head at a time. Time will tell.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/nk5nhk4">http://tinyurl.com/nk5nhk4</a> <br />
.<br />
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-84035283063773680292013-05-16T14:13:00.000-05:002013-06-24T18:04:07.593-05:00Mississippi KiteThe kites have returned to the panhandle. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, all of a sudden they were everywhere in the skies. In this image, a female Mississippi Kite is being harassed by a blue jay. House finches, sparrows, starlings, and others will nag and taunt the kites in attempts to run them off. Breeding time brings much defensiveness and suspicion between the species of birds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/150130225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/150130225.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blue Jay taunts a Mississippi Kite.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is an article from the <a href="http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2013/may/scout5_wildthing_kite/">Texas Parks and Wildlife</a> that may be of interest.<br />
<br />
<br />Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8933124326429196592.post-76355667171808104122013-04-07T12:11:00.000-05:002013-07-03T22:25:47.158-05:00Euro-Collared Doves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring has sprung, and love is in the air!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two Euro-Collared <i>(or Eurasian Collared)</i> Doves engage in nest building. The one on the left looks on as the other does the actual construction. I couldn't say if they will switch jobs at all during its construction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/149564220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://www.pbase.com/doxielover1/image/149564220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Euro-Collared Doves constructing their nest.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<i>[Addendum: This nest was subsequently taken over and used by Mississippi Kites, above.]</i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16752151206935804516noreply@blogger.com0