Birds Of The Texas Panhandle

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

2012-01-29T20:43:00.000-06:00

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker looks very similar to the Golden-Fronted Woodpecker elsewhere in this blog. Unlike most woodpeckers, Red-Bellies eat lots of plant material and seldom excavate the wood for insects. They forage in trees, on the ground, and even on the wing, eating insects, seeds, nuts, and fruit - sometimes tree sap, bird eggs, and small amphibians. Their "red bellies" are just a small area that is difficult to see in the field. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers live more than 20 years.

Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker

The Female does not have the continuous red cap that the male does.

White-Breasted Nuthatch

2012-01-29T20:20:00.000-06:00

This little Nuthatch is a strange-looking creature as it moves headfirst down a tree trunk while foraging for invertebrates, seemingly not knowing which way is "up". It is known for wedging nuts and seeds into crevices and hacking them open with its beak. They nest in natural cavities in large deciduous trees, or even make use of abandoned woodpecker nests.

This Nuthatch poses with a nut he has wedged in the tree bark.


White-Breasted Nuthatch

White-Breasted Nuthatch

The White-Breasted Nuthatch is a common visitor to backyard feeders, but I have personally not seen any at mine yet. These were taken at Lake McClellan in the panhandle.

Blue Jay

2012-01-16T11:47:00.001-06:00

I bought a small bag of salted in-shell peanuts and put them out for the birds. I'm glad it was a small bag, because it's not a good idea to use salted peanuts for birds. It's better to use unsalted peanuts for birds. The Blue Jays simply love peanuts in the shell, but the salted ones are not good for them. Too much salt is just as bad for them as it is us. So, later today I'll get some unsalted peanuts - in the shell.

(Blue Jay)

It's fun to watch the Blue Jays snatch them up and fly off to eat them nearby. Sometimes they'll take them about 10 yards away and eat them on the ground. Sometimes they'll head for the branches of a tree. This Jay found a 6" branch with an appropriate spot in our elm tree where he could safely open it up and "chow down" before returning for another.
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Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

2012-01-14T14:38:00.001-06:00

This morning while checking my feeders, I heard the "tap-tap-tapping" common to woodpeckers. As I watched the branches of our Elm tree for the source of the sound, I caught sight of a bright red spot popping out from behind one. This is what I saw:

(Ladder-Backed Woodpecker)

The Ladder-Backed Woodpecker often feeds and nests in cacti in the Southwest. It's a small woodpecker that mainly feeds on insects such ants and beetles. Females generally like to feed in upper branches, whereas males tend to feed closer to the trunk or near the ground. This male was, however, feeding in the upper branches. The Ladder-Backed Woodpecker is a year-round resident of the panhandle, albeit being a "rare to common" resident. They nest in trees, cacti, agave, yucca, or even a utility pole. The nests are likely drilled by the males, and lined with wood chips.
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Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

2012-01-14T14:21:00.000-06:00

I found this photo from a couple years ago - April of 2010. It apparently slipped under my radar and I never identified it or pursued it.

(Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker)

The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker winters in the panhandle. It "drills" wells in tree bark serve to collect sap, and attract bugs. The Sapsucker makes the rounds visiting its "wells" and eating the bugs it attracts. It also eats the sap, not by sucking as its name suggests, but lapping it up with its tongue - which resembles a paint brush.
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Cooper's Hawk

2011-12-30T10:31:00.001-06:00

It's not every day you see a Cooper's Hawk at your bird feeder. (This is my first sighting/identification of the Cooper's.)

While watching for photo-ops of various birds at my bird feeder this morning, I saw movement low in a lilac bush where its branches were dense. As I watched, this Cooper's hopped out onto the ground less than 7 yards from me - just long enough for me to get this shot. Unfortunately, I had to get it at an angle through a chain link fence.

Thinking about it, it's the perfect setup. A lilac bush isn't the deciduous forestry areas it normally prefers, but this Cooper's Hawk knew that the lilac bush was the staging area for sparrows - it being next to my feeder. The Cooper's main diet is birds - and they will chase them relentlessly through the woods. What better "diner" than an active bird feeder? It was apparently trying to take advantage of that setup.

The Cooper's Hawk is not a stranger to the panhandle. We are in its breeding and year round range, as is most of North America.


Cooper's Hawk

Blue Jays

2011-12-26T11:01:00.000-06:00

For a long time, I've been trying to get shots of blue jays, cardinals, etc. in our back yard. My wife had a new feeder waiting for me under the Christmas tree this year - one that she found on www.etsy.com. Made of cedar, it had a much better perch than my previous one had - one that I hoped would allow larger birds than mainly sparrows and house finches to feed.

I set it up yesterday while our white Christmas was still in the making. There was no activity at the feeder until this morning. I watched and waited. At first only sparrows and finches showed up. After a little while my patience was rewarded, and jays finally made an appearance. They easily helped themselves to their favorites in the mix I had waiting for them.

The male first came in to test the waters.

His mate followed shortly thereafter.

I will anxiously be awaiting more opportunities. I'll have to increase the sunflower seed content of the mix.

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Mississippi Kite

2011-08-18T06:05:00.008-05:00

For days, we've been hearing a young Kite bawling quite often. We had a good idea where he was, but couldn't see him. I finally saw where he was yesterday. It seems they have a nest in a neighbor's tree that hangs over our driveway. It shouldn't be long before he tries his wings out.

Momma keeps a watchful eye on her little one.

I know he's being taken care of, because his momma was in the Elm in our back yard preparing a meal for him. I watched as she flew in and served his dinner.

(For more photos and info on Mississippi Kites, click HERE.)

Mississippi Kite

2011-05-28T15:48:00.007-05:00

Kites have been actively breeding here in the panhandle of Texas, even now at the end of May. There seems to be quite a bit more of them this year.

I have noticed something "different" about them this year. They are sporting rusty brown on their wings. I don't know if it's a variant coming out, an indication of maturity, or just an individual thing. Here are a couple of photos showing it:

(More Mississippi Kite photos and info HERE.)

If anybody has any idea about this, please let me know.
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Mississippi Kite

2011-05-08T00:59:00.005-05:00

We've been getting fleeting glimpses of kites in the panhandle over the last couple of weeks. These two made an appearance yesterday in one of our trees. The upper one brought a grasshopper to the lower one. Hopefully, they will nest in a tree we can observe them in.

(More photos and info HERE.)

One thing I noticed about these is the rusty brown streaks on the wings. I've never noticed this coloration on Mississippi Kites before.
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Bald Eagle

2011-02-05T22:09:00.002-06:00

A first for me, I saw this beauty fly over as I was watching a favorite hawk site. At first I thought it was a hawk, but soon realized that it was indeed a Bald Eagle - the symbol of The United States of America.

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Northern Harrier

2011-01-22T16:21:00.006-06:00

The Northern Harrier winters over in the Texas panhandle. It rarely breeds here. Unlike many hawks, the harrier female is distinctly different in appearance from the male. It is also much larger. The Northern Harrier is up to 24" in length with a wingspan of up to 4 1/2 feet. This member of the hawk family has an owl-like facial disc that allows it to hunt by sound as well as sight. Its soft feathers allow for it to silently cruise low over fields, undetected by its prey. Using these ambush tactics, its prey stands no chance of escape.

(Female Northern Harrier)

(More images and info on the Northern Harrier HERE.)

Blue Jay

2010-08-22T11:36:00.004-05:00

This Blue Jay was a bit of a puzzle to me when I saw it. First of all, its body and tail appear to be fully matured. At the same time, its head appears to be that of a newly-hatched bird. Could it be that he just has a wet head for some reason? Is it some sort of genetic defect? I don't know.

Another puzzling thing is that it was imitating the call of the Mississippi Kite - a very good "PIT-tooooooooooo"! I've never heard anything like it before. It was very clear, albeit with a little "smaller" sound as if the volume was turned down a bit.

If you have any insight as to these mysteries, please post here or Email me (at the address on the photo) and let me know.

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Mississippi Kite

2010-08-07T11:02:00.003-05:00

"Our" little one has been exploring his new world today, taking note of everything that moves. His parents are pretty active today, presumably teaching their little one to hunt and survive.

Studying his surroundings - watching everything.

On the wing. Stretching his wings? Learning to hunt? Both?

Mississippi Kite

2010-08-06T16:55:00.005-05:00

This young kite was hatched and raised in a neighbor's tree. I've been anxiously waiting for signs of the fruits of his parents' labor. This is it. I have been keeping close watch on their tree and the aerial activity in the neighborhood. Apparently his first trip out of his nest, this Immature Mississippi Kite perched in the top of the elm tree in our back yard much of the day today. His parents have been very active, tending to him quite well as he experiences this big world for the first time. Before you know it, they will be on their way to South America again.

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Black-Necked Stilt

2010-08-02T13:07:00.005-05:00

Here is another shot of the Black-Necked Stilt.

(Click on the label "Black-Necked Stilt" below for more images and information.)

Chihuahuan Raven

2010-08-02T12:51:00.004-05:00

Chihuahuan Ravens have white neck feathers, but they are usually hidden from view. They are rarely seen unless the wind ruffles their feathers just right. This is the main thing that differentiates them from the larger Common Raven. Chihuahuan Ravens inhabit the flat, scrubby grasslands that are common in the panhandle - brushy land, dry grasslands, garbage dumps, and yucca. They were once thought to be a bother to cattle and wildlife, but this simply isn't true. Their feeding habits are similar to crows, in that they eat carrion, eggs, insects, grain, berries, and garbage.

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Avocet

2010-07-30T18:22:00.002-05:00

This is the American Avocet - in breeding plumage. The non-breeding stage will find the rusty colored head and neck becoming a gray color. They eat aquatic vegetation and invertebrates it finds while using its needle-like bill as a probe, often by walking swiftly and running through fairly deep water, swinging its bill from side-to-side.

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Spotted Sandpiper

2010-07-30T18:20:00.003-05:00

Spotted Sandpipers have these frontal spots when in breeding plumage. Non-breeding, there are no spots their fronts are only white. Females are a bit on the polygamist side, having more than one mate during a breeding season. The females let the males tend their nests.

These Sandpipers forage along the shoreline, eating aquatic invertebrates. They also snag flying insects out of the air.

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Blue Heron

2010-07-30T18:17:00.003-05:00

Blue Herons are very common. 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 by swallowing them whole. Their graceful flight is characterized by slow, steady wingbeats and their necks folded back over their shoulders with their legs extended behind them.

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White Faced Ibis

2010-07-30T18:14:00.004-05:00

The White Faced Ibis is characterized by its long, down-curved bill, as are other Ibises. They probe soil and shallow water for aquatic invertebrates, small vertebrates, and amphibians. Ibises are declining in number. They require high-quality marshland for nesting, but pesticides used in rice fields and diminishing wetland areas don't lend well to propogation of the species.

White Faced Ibises follow migration flyways, and can be seen readily in one area and not be seen at all a few miles away.

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Burrowing Owl

2010-07-25T12:19:00.005-05:00

Burrowing Owls are a smallish owl, being about 10" in length. They have no ear tufts, and have bright yellow eyes. Their "who-who" is associated with territorial defense and breeding. When agitated, they will bob their head up and down. Burrowing Owls eat small vertebrates and invertebrates, but mostly small rodents and large insects. They often live near ground squirrels, but rarely prey on them. We found these in close proximity to a prairie dog town.

This first one appears to have been banded.

This photo clearly shows the wing and tail markings of the Burrowing Owl.
There can be some variation due to age and other aspects.

Scissortail Flycatcher

2010-07-25T12:11:00.002-05:00

This flycatcher is closely related to Kingbirds. Its long forked tail is the reason for its name, resembling the blades of scissors. They lay 3 - 6 eggs that both parents care for. Scissortails are very protective of their nest and can be very defensive of it. The Texas panhandle is prime breeding country for them, as they prefer shrubby country and sparse tree cover. Scissortails eat mostly insects that they often wait for from a perch. They will also eat berries.

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Barn Swallow

2010-07-25T11:57:00.003-05:00

The Barn Swallow is the most common swallow. Most of the northern hemisphere is its breeding range. Its "V" tail and blue upper parts are the most obvious identifiers. The Barn Swallow makes a nest of mud, often attached to man-made buildings. It is a swift and maneuverable bird that eats insects that it catches in flight.

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Blue Jay

2010-07-10T08:00:00.003-05:00

Blue Jays don't normally give me much chance of a shot. They are usually pretty timid - with me anyway. They seem to disappear when I get my camera out. This one gave me an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

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Barn Swallow

2010-07-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

The Barn Swallow can be seen just about anywhere in North America, and the Texas Panhandle is no different. They are the only Swallow with a deeply forked tail. They are fast and highly maneuverable, and it is estimated that they can travel 600 miles in one day searching for food for their young.

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Horned Lark

2010-07-03T22:55:00.002-05:00

The Horned Lark is the only lark found in North America - and they are found all over the continent. They forage for seeds and invertebrates. They get their name from the black markings on their heads, which suggest "horns".

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Black-Necked Stilt

2010-07-03T22:47:00.005-05:00

The Black-Necked Stilt (on the left in the photo) has fallen victim to hunters and loss of habitat in past years. It was an endangered species, but is making a great comeback. There is one subspecies that is still endangered - the Hawaiian Stilt. I was surprised to see this black-necked stilt here in a local marsh. (I don't believe I saw one of them before.) The Stilt eats invertebrates it finds when it probes the bottom with its bill. They lay buff colored eggs in nests on the ground near the water.

(The Black-Necked Stilt is on the left in this photo. That's an American Avocet on the right.)

Mississippi Kite

2010-06-05T15:48:00.005-05:00

Yes, Kites are nesting nearby. This is one of the two or three pairs who have been hanging around the house. This is one of the females, and she is hauling construction materials for their new home. I believe this pair is building a nest in a neighbor's tree across the alley. I will be watching their activity.

This little lady was kind enough to take time out to pose for me while she was preening. Gorgeous, isn't she?

Mississippi Kite

2010-05-10T21:38:00.002-05:00

May brings the return of the Mississippi Kites to the panhandle. These two will be raising young before long. They have mated, and I can only hope that they will nest nearby.

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Mourning Dove

2010-04-26T17:39:00.004-05:00

The Mourning Dove is plentiful in the Panhandle. It is related to the Rock Dove (pigeon), White-Winged Dove, Euro-Collared Dove, and ground dove. There are lots of stories out there, but this dove actually gets its name from its mournful coo-ing sound. Some people consider it to be a bad omen if one of these doves flies into a room.

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Great Tailed Grackle

2010-03-28T11:03:00.006-05:00

Also known by some as the Boat Tailed Grackle, it resembles the crow - albeit smaller. The most obvious differences between the crow and the Great Tail are the tail and eyes. The male grackle usually flies with its tail vertical, using it like a rudder on a boat. Its eyes are yellow, whereas the crow's are black. The males are overall black, and somewhat irridescent. Females are smaller with dark brown back and wings, and the head and frontal areas are a lighter brown/bronze. Females generally fly "normally" - with their tails horizontal.

This is the male Great Tailed Grackle.

This is the female Great Tailed Grackle.

(Note: Some books list the Great Tailed Grackle and the Boat Tailed Grackle as two different species. Those that do show them to be almost exactly the same, in appearance and behavior/eggs/traits. The Audubon society book I have only lists the Great Tailed Grackle. I have always considered it to be two names for the same grackle.)

European Starling

2010-03-28T11:02:00.003-05:00

This is the European Starling. It was introduced in Central Park in NYC around 1890, starting with 100 birds. A Shakespearean club planned on introducing every bird species that Shakespeare wrote about. The Starling was part of that introduction. Now they are found virtually everywhere in the United States. They are well adapted to human environments.

House Sparrow

2010-03-28T10:59:00.002-05:00

This is another house sparrow - a female.

Blue Jay

2010-02-20T10:42:00.005-06:00

A foggy morning in Amarillo this morning. A blue jay calls from a tree next to our house. They don't stick around very long. This one did - just long enough.

(Click on the image for a larger view.)

(See more Blue Jay photos and info HERE.)

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Great Horned Owl

2010-01-18T22:18:00.005-06:00

I haven't done a lot of checking on this owl, but I thought I'd post it here anyway, without much commentary.

Shelley and I were at Buffalo Lake NWR near Umbarger, Texas, looking for photo-ops. As we rounded the far end of the road that circumnavigates the lake, I noticed that one of the trees didn't look right. There was a big "bump" that didn't "belong" on one of the branches. We stopped and watched, and sure enough we saw some movement in the tree. A closer examination with binoculars and zoom lenses revealed another first for me. A Great Horned Owl was perched on a branch with his back towards us. He was remarkably well camouflaged with the trunk and branches, due to the pattern on his back/wings and the color. While shooting some photos, I started to work my way around the tree he was in to get a better angle. No chance of that! (We couldn't see his face well from where we were.) He watched me changing position, got nervous and flew off before I had a chance. When we got home and checked out the images on the computer, we saw that he was unabashedly watching us the whole time.

Here, he is looking over his left shoulder facing left.

He's watching us over his right shoulder in this one.
Note the excellent natural camouflage.

Roadrunner

2010-01-17T19:59:00.006-06:00

The Roadrunner is also called the Chaparral Bird, and is the state bird of New Mexico. It also inhabits the Texas panhandle. The photos here were taken at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Many people don't realize it, but the roadrunner can fly. He just prefers not to. He can run at speeds up to about 17 mph, and eats a variety of lizards, snakes, scorpions, centipedes, mice, and insects. They will even eat rattlesnakes! Roadrunners are mature at 2 - 3 years old, and lay anywhere from two to 12 eggs.

(Click on the images for a larger view.)
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Red Tailed Hawk

2010-01-17T19:50:00.005-06:00

Shelley and I took an afternoon jaunt to the Palo Duro Canyon today. On the way home, we saw two Red Tail Hawks perched on power poles a mile or two apart. These are shots of one of them.

(See more Red Tail photos and info HERE.)

Downy Woodpecker

2010-01-01T18:02:00.004-06:00

While trying to catch some shots of waves of geese flying by, this little female Downy Woodpecker showed up.

(See more photos and info on Downy Woodpeckers HERE.)

American Kestrel

2009-12-28T18:24:00.005-06:00

This was an unexpected sighting. It's the 28th of December in the Texas panhandle. The temps have been staying near or below freezing long enough for park lakes to be frozen over. While out looking for some bird shots so I could post here again (about time!), I happened to notice two American Kestrels hunting a field about 200 yards from each other - one at each corner. I had to do a double-take. Kestrels in the panhandle this time of year? I expected that they would all be well south of here this time of year. After re-checking my range maps in the books I use as references, I see that their winter range can extend far north into Canada. So, surprise was a bit unwarranted. Kestrels are definitely a pleasure to see and watch.

This one was the first of two and perched on this wire for a long time, letting me take all the shots I wanted. I didn't pressure this Kestrel to the point it would leave. It was such a great opportunity, I didn't want to throw it away.

This was the second one I photographed. I inched as close as I could, but unfortunately nervousness gave way to flight.

(See more Kestrel photos and info HERE.)

Meadowlark

2009-10-24T14:01:00.004-05:00

While watching Northern Harriers hunting in adjacent fields, this Meadowlark perched on a wire above me and sang me a song.

(More Meadowlark photos and info HERE.)

Northern Harrier

2009-10-24T13:32:00.005-05:00

We parked along a road on the south edge of town this morning to see if some local Harriers would do a show for us. They did. There were two or three hunting adjacent fields in their usual manner - flying low over fields and ambushing prey of opportunity. This one slammed on his brakes when he spoted a meal.

(More Northern Harrier photos and info HERE.)

Mississippi Kite

2009-08-16T23:17:00.007-05:00

I guess Mississippi Kites have to scratch what itches, too.

And they even get stiff and have to stretch out those joints now and then. Note the Kite's left side is very much extended. He is perched by one foot.

See more HERE.

Great Egret

2009-08-10T17:48:00.004-05:00

This is a chance shot I took over the weekend - of a Great Egret passing by the house. (Click on the photo for a larger view.)

See more photos and info here.

Swainson's Hawk

2009-07-18T10:12:00.004-05:00

Swainson's Hawk is very common in the panhandle, as it is in its breeding grounds and summer home. This hawk feeds on small mammals such as mice, voles, and ground squirrels. Also on its menu are small birds and large insects such as grasshoppers and crickets. As such, they may be a party to rescuing crops from outbreaks of these insects. Swainson's Hawk is slightly less bulky than the Red-Tailed Hawk, and can be mistaken for the Red-Tail. The first things you might notice are its dark hood, and its white underside and white wings with a dark trailing edge (flight feathers).

The business end of the Swainson's Hawk.

Here, a Western Kingbird urges a Swainson's Hawk to move along.

The typical "V" of its wings as it soars above. The dark flight feathers and his hood are clearly seen in this shot.

A Swainson's Hawk soars above two others, perched in adjacent trees.

This one seems to have a "hangnail". Or would that be a "hangfeather"?

Mississippi Kite

2009-07-13T21:15:00.003-05:00

I can't help it. Mississippi Kites are one of my favorite birds, and they are a challenge to photograph. This one landed in a nearby tree, and was nice enough to stick around for a photo shoot. These show their mask, eyes, and coloring more clearly than some of my other shots.

See more of my Mississippi Kite shots and information HERE.

Turkey Vulture

2009-07-05T23:20:00.003-05:00

Another trip to Palo Duro Canyon today gave us another treat shortly before sunset. Hundreds - literally hundreds of turkey vultures were amassing at the lower end of the park to roost in trees. Wave after wave of vultures arrived for a good hour anyhow. It was the most amazing thing I've seen in the bird world.

Everybody knows Turkey Vultures - the big black birds soaring high overhead, searching for carrion to make a meal of. Their red heads are just a bit on the ugly side, somewhat resembling a turkey's. Hence the name.

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Gambel's Quail

2009-07-03T15:33:00.006-05:00

This is a first sighting for me - seen in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The Gambel's Quail is about the size of a robin, and has a plume coming from his forehead that makes this quail readily identifiable. We saw this one standing watch for his mate and a brood of chicks they were raising together.

Gambel's Quail usually forages for seeds, buds and shoots, cacti, fruit, and will occasionally eat insects. They nest on the ground under cover of shrubs or grass.

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Bullock's Oriole

2009-07-03T14:30:00.004-05:00

Shelley and I were spending the morning in Palo Duro Canyon today. At one point, this Oriole caught our attention when it flew through our field of view. Its bright orange coloring was ablaze in the morning sun, making it impossible to ignore. After entertaining us with fly-bys several times, it landed in the top of a nearby tree.

The Bullock's Oriole builds an elaborate hanging pouch nest that provides both shelter and protection. This nest is often the only evidence of this bird being there, seen hanging in a bare tree in the fall. This oriole is common in the western half of Texas. It eats caterpillars, wasps, beetles, and will also feed on fruit and nectar.

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Western Kingbird

2009-07-03T14:21:00.005-05:00

This Western Kingbird was nice enough to pose for me so I could get a good series of his portraits.

(Click for a larger view.)

See more of my photos and info on the Western Kingbird HERE.

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Mississippi Kite

2009-06-24T21:05:00.005-05:00

On a recent trip into Palo Duro Canyon, we saw many Mississippi Kites soaring overhead. Some were perched in trees - often 3 to a tree. These Kites were hunting along the canyon walls.

(Click on the images for larger views.)

You can see more of my Kites and related info HERE.

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Western Kingbird

2009-06-18T22:32:00.005-05:00

The Western Kingbird can be seen many places throughout the panhandle as well as most of the rest of Texas. It is a flycatcher, and dines on insects but will eat berries, too. This Kingbird will perch on a fence post or wire, waiting to ambush a flying insect as it passes nearby. Its aerobatic skills are top notch and he will pursue a dragonfly, bee, butterfly, or cicada for 40 feet or more. They are quite noisy as they engage in their courtship/mating rituals.

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Mississippi Kite

2009-06-14T10:36:00.005-05:00

While in Palo Duro Canyon yesterday, many of these Kites were soaring above us. There were at times 3 or 4 of them in a single tree. It appeared that some of them were involved in their mating ritual.

(See more of the Mississippi Kites HERE.)

Ash-Throated Flycatcher

2009-05-31T18:54:00.006-05:00

While in Palo Duro Canyon today, this flycatcher presented himself for a shot. I have tentatively ID'ed it as an Ash-Throated Flycatcher with the help of a friend. He didn't give me a very good pose, so I'll hold off on any specific commentary about him until I find out for sure. If anybody can give me a positive ID on it, I will amend this post.

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Mockingbird

2009-05-10T00:02:00.003-05:00

The Mockingbird is one of the most interesting birds around. It is the great impersonator, hence its name. He tries to impress females with his many voices, to the point of mating. They are easily identified by the white bars on their wings in flight.

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Mississippi Kites

2009-05-09T07:56:00.003-05:00

Spring is in the air. These two Mississippi Kites are in the middle of their courtship routine in the elm tree in our back yard. They would "bow" to each other, touch beaks, fluff their feathers, and flutter their wings. With a little luck, they will build their nest close by.

(You can see more info on them in my other posts, HERE.)

Euro-Collared Dove

2009-05-06T21:06:00.005-05:00

Here is another view of the Euro-Collared Dove (also called the Eurasian Collared Dove). You can see more info about them HERE in another one of my blog posts.

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House Finch

2009-04-28T12:33:00.004-05:00

House finches are apparently in their mating plumage. The bright reds are very attractive to females.

(See more photos and information about House Finches HERE.)
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Blue Jay

2009-04-23T17:59:00.004-05:00

The Blue Jay is easily recognized by its bright blue color, and black necklace. Chances are, you'll hear it before you see it. Its "Cat! Cat! Cat!" call is one of the most common of all. The Blue Jay can also mimic the calls of Red-Shouldered Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, Ospreys, Crows, and even a neighborhood cat! (I didn't know that either.) Blue Jays eat nuts, berries, insects, and even carrion.

This Blue Jay appears to be building a nest in one of our trees. Jays around here are difficult to photograph, because they insist on keeping branches between them and the camera.

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Killdeer

2009-04-13T21:31:00.004-05:00

The Killdeer is the actor of the bird world. If you come too close to its nest, it will act as if it is hurt in an effort to lure you away. It almost always works with predators. They are famous for acting like it has a broken wing, but this one used a broken leg act - its left leg. The Killdeer is found virtually everywhere in the United States, including the panhandle. It will at times leave this area in the winter, but is generally here year-round. This handsome bird forages for insects with a run-and-stop technique.

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Black Crowned Night Heron

2009-04-05T10:19:00.004-05:00

These herons typically hunt at dusk as the sun disappears below the horizon. An attractive bird, they sport two white plumes trailing from its crown during breeding season. They feed with the stand-and-wait method, waiting to ambush prey in the shallows from shorelines. While many people think that the Black-Crowned Night Heron has a short thick neck, my photo below seems to discount that belief. In fact, they are able to stretch their necks out reminiscent of others in the heron family. The panhandle is in their breeding/summer range.

This heron displays its white plumes during breeding time.

Seemingly admiring himself, this Black-Crowned Night Heron assumes his hunting stance.

For some reason, this heron (bottom right) chases off a Snowy Egret.

Apparently rarely seen doing it, the Black-Crowned Night Heron can extend its neck, much like others in the heron family.

Mississippi Kite

2009-03-29T19:58:00.010-05:00

One of my favorite birds is the Mississippi Kite. They are in the same family as hawks, eagles, harriers, ospreys, etc. Mississippi Kites are raptors - predators - and feed mainly on larger insects like grasshoppers and dragonflies. They can also occasionally take larger prey such as bats, swifts, and swallows. The Mississippi Kite is likely the one raptor that will casually eat in flight. The first thing you may notice is their black "mask" against a light gray head and body.

The panhandle is part of the Mississippi Kite's breeding grounds. Many people have complained about them "attacking" them while walking down a sidewalk. They are not aggressive towards humans. When nesting, the Mississippi Kite can be very defensive and territorial, and will attempt to urge people, dogs, etc., to move away from their nest or the tree it's in. I have personally been "buzzed" repeatedly by them while working on rooftops. Should you ever encounter them in this way, don't be afraid. Simply move along if you get concerned. They have no malice towards you. They don't want to harm or eat you. They just want you to go away. If they had a problem with human activity, they wouldn't nest amongst us. When I have been buzzed by them, I have never had them close enough to even reach out and touch them - or them, me. Rooftops are much closer to their nests than you would be by walking down the sidewalk.

Kites generally winter over in South America and return to Texas in May. While thought of as a southern raptor, they have been seen as far north as New England.

American Robin

2009-03-29T16:21:00.003-05:00

Everybody knows the American Robin. It's squeaky chirp and warbling song signals that spring is here.

Dining on adult insects and larvae, earthworms (night crawlers), other invertebrates and berries, the sight of the American Robin foraging in our yards and gardens is a form of "comfort food" for our psyches.

He appears to be listening for prey when he tilts his head as he forages, but in reality his keen eyes are looking for movement on the ground. His eyes are more on the sides of his head than other species, so he has to tilt his head to see the ground under him.

The panhandle is among the Robin's breeding and summer grounds, but it also winters throughout Texas to the south.

Eurasian Collared Dove

2009-03-25T19:39:00.004-05:00

This dove's call is the typically soothing, "coo-COO-coo!" It is characterized by the pale gray overall color and distinct black collar around the back of its neck. They can breed up to six times a year in warmer climates. Eurasian Collared Doves dine on grain and seeds, and are common feeder visitors. See also this blog post.

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American Kestrel

2009-03-22T19:27:00.004-05:00

This is something you don't see every day, and something that doesn't get photographed every day: Two American Kestrels mating.

Downy Woodpecker

2009-03-21T23:39:00.003-05:00

Downy Woodpeckers will likely visit bird feeders stocked with peanut butter and peanut hearts. They get along well around human activity, and visit feeders more often than their look-alikes, the Hairy Woodpecker. Downy Woodpeckers are smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, and have a shorter bill. They eat insects, seeds and nuts, and will visit suet feeders. The Downy Woodpeckers in these photos appear to be starting their courtship ritual.

Female (Left) and Male (Right).

Male.

Female.

Spotted Towhee

2009-03-20T22:22:00.005-05:00

The Spotted Towhee makes a lot of noise rustling around in dense underbrush, digging through leaves and twigs to find seeds, berries, and insects on the ground. They spend most of their time in thick underbrush, except for their mating ritual. Living in the Trans-Pecos Mountains during breeding season, they winter throughout Texas. At first glance the elusive Spotted Towhee can be mistaken for a Robin, but closer examination will reveal the obvious differences. Females are somewhat drabber and paler than the males. We saw this guy down in Palo Duro Canyon in the panhandle.

Male Spotted Towhee

Cedar Waxwing

2009-03-20T18:56:00.006-05:00

This Cedar Waxwing was flitting around a picnic area of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, East of Canyon, TX. They are not uncommon in the panhandle. The first thing you'll notice is its prominent black mask. They were named for their red wing tips, because they look like they were dipped in red candle wax.

This is a social bird, and when his crop is full and he can't eat any more, he'll pick fruit and pass it on down the line to others who will continue eating. Mulberries, Juniper, or Yaupon will attract them. Cedar Waxwings do not nest in Texas, but winter throughout the state. Waxwing flocks drift around like gypsies, so numbers can vary greatly in any given area.

Red-Winged Blackbird

2009-03-19T13:59:00.001-05:00

If you have a cattail marsh, wet meadow, shoreline scrub, etc., you will most likely have these blackbirds in abundance. Their red shoulder patch is edged in yellow, with the yellow edge sometimes hidden from view. They nest in colonies, along shorelines or among cattails. Some of their favorite food sources are seeds and grains, insects, and invertebrates. Red-winged blackbirds also visit feeders.

Male Red-Winged Blackbird.

House Sparrow

2009-03-18T22:23:00.000-05:00

This is the common House Sparrow. They are native to Europe and northern Africa. Introduced in Brooklyn in the 1850's to combat insect pests that were damaging grain and cereal crops, they had little effect. House Sparrows are primarily vegetarian and eat mostly seeds, fruit, and some insects. They visit feeders quite often.

House Sparrows were introduced in Galveston, TX in the 1860's. By 1905, they could be found statewide.

This is a male.

Northern Harrier

2009-03-18T20:13:00.000-05:00

The Northern Harrier cruises low over fields using surprise attacks to capture its prey. They winter in Texas, but very rarely breed in the panhandle. On their menu are rats, snakes, small rabbits, and birds such as red-winged blackbirds. The Royal Air Force was so impressed with the Harrier's maneuverability that they named one of their aircraft after it - the Harrier "Jump Jet".

Red-Tailed Hawk

2009-03-17T23:14:00.001-05:00

This is an immature/juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk. It was hunting jack rabbits on the south edge of town when he flew by us. He had just missed a jack. They ride thermals as they soar overhead looking for prey, sometimes soaring for miles before flapping their wings once. His call is an unmistakable descending scream that virtually everybody has heard. Red Tails usually eat rodents, but will take a rabbit or other small animal.

Downy Woodpecker

2009-03-17T22:32:00.001-05:00

While I was watching the sparrows one day, this Downy Woodpecker made a brief appearance.

Male Downy Woodpecker.

American Wigeon

2009-03-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

The American Wigeon breeds in Canada and Alaska, and winters over on both coasts, in the West Indies, and into Central America. Here in the panhandle they make use of wetlands, lakes, ponds, and estuaries - and occasionally grazes in agricultural fields. They eat mostly aquatic plants, but will eat small invertebrates. The American Wigeon nests further north than any other duck with the exception of the northern pintail.

American Wigeon Male.

Northern Cardinal

2009-03-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

Everybody knows the Northern Cardinal. Did you know it got its name because the male's color resembles the robes of Roman Catholic Cardinals? Pairs of cardinals are among the most faithful of birds. They keep close contact with each other throughout the year. They eat seeds, insects, and berries - and they will readily patronize feeders.

Male.

Female.

Meadowlarks

2009-03-17T12:29:00.001-05:00

The Western Meadowlark has one of the most pleasant and melodic songs of any bird. Meadowlarks are a member of the blackbird family. They are one of the most abundant and widespread birds in the western US. They eat insects, grubs, worms, and seeds.

This Western Meadowlark seems to be watching the sun set.

I'm not sure, but this one appears to be an Eastern Meadowlark. Let me know if I'm wrong.

White Winged Dove

2009-03-17T06:21:00.001-05:00

This is the White Winged Dove. Characteristic are the white edge of the wings, red eyes, and azure blue skin surrounding the eyes. This dove is considered to be a central/southern Texas bird, but its range is expanding rapidly northward. It is becoming very common in the panhandle.

The mourning dove is very similar but it doesn't have the white wings, and does have dark patches on its wings. The White Winged Dove has the soothing voice characteristic of doves, "Who-cooks-for-you?"

White-Crowned Sparrow

2009-03-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

The white-crowned sparrow is much like the "typical" sparrow, but is easily distinguished by his black-and-white striped cap. It might bring to mind thoughts of a bicycle helmet. His crown will not go unnoticed, even when he's flitting around in heavy brush. He eats seeds and insects that he scratches from the ground, berries, buds, mosscaps, and will also eat from feeders. The White-Crowned Sparrow does not nest in Texas, but does winter over here.

The White-Throated Sparrow is similar in that he also has the stripes on his crown, but has a clearly visible white throat.
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House Finch

2009-03-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

House Finches are one of the few species that will nest in urban areas. You can find them in cities, towns, and rural areas. They are about the size of a sparrow and feed on seeds, berries, flower parts. House Finches will also pig out at feeders.

Female House Finch on the left, male on the right.

Snowy Egret

2009-03-16T20:19:00.000-05:00

The Snowy Egret is very similar to the Great Egret (below), but the Snowy is much smaller. It also has a black bill, whereas the Great Egret has a yellow bill. The Snowy Egret has a yellow or reddish patch between the eye and bill (called "lores"), where the Great Egret doesn't. Both are waders and have the same "stand-and-wait" fishing method.

Great Egret

2009-03-16T19:59:00.001-05:00

This one is sometimes mistakenly called a "snowy egret". The snowy egret is a smaller bird, albeit similar in appearance. While both are white and members of the heron family, the Great Egret has a yellow bill and is much larger than the black-billed Snowy Egret. The Great Egret is the symbol of the Audubon Society and is a permanent resident of gulf coastal areas. They also inhabit inland bodies of water, particularly during warmer months in the panhandle.

Golden Fronted Woodpecker

2009-03-16T19:20:00.000-05:00

This woodpecker is sometimes confused with the Northern Flicker. The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker is an inhabitant of the mesquite brushlands and dry woodlands of central and southern Texas. However, I took this shot in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, so they are obviously coming into the panhandle. They don't usually drill into wood like most woodpeckers. Instead, they catch insects in flight or feed on fruit and nuts.

The one shown here is the female.

This one is the male.

The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker is related to the Red-bellied Woodpecker in the Eastern US, and they sometimes cross-breed.
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American Kestrel

2009-03-16T18:08:00.002-05:00

This is likely the most colorful falcon in the world. Her handler told us that she dines on large insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and small birds like female grackles (not males). Her name is "Hanna Banana", and for a very interesting reason. When she kills a grackle, she preludes dining on her by grabbing the back of its neck and peeling her back - like a banana.

Although kestrels are known to live in open or semi-wooded country, they are not intimidated by human activity. As a result, they are very adaptable to other environments. The panhandle is considered to be in its breeding and summer grounds.

A half block down the road, this kestrel picked a high perch to scope the area out for a meal. This one is not Hanna Banana. The following two photos are of the first American Kestrel I've photographed in the "wild". They were taken in a residential section of Amarillo.

I don't know if this one was going after a meal, or just moving on to other "restaurants", but I was able to catch it in flight as it left the antenna.