White-Winged Dove
I’m taking a breather from warbler migration (and so, it seems, are the warblers, for the moment, at least) to start visiting pictures taken last week in Texas,
Western Scrub Jay
Our first full day of birding in Texas began at Pedernales Falls State Park. At that point all the birds were all new, even if we had seen them before. Pedernales has two blinds from which you can get excellent views of the birds that visit their feeders. It was the perfect introduction to species we were to see again and again nearly every day of the trip, no matter where we went.
Lark Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
The day was overcast and taking pictures through the slanted glass of the blind made some of these pictures fuzzy. When we entered the largest blind there were two photographers ensconced in the side bays which are completely open to the outside with no windows in the way. Neither one of these gentlemen, and I use the term loosely, offered to share his spot for a moment. I did not bother to ask, figuring my large lens spoke volumes already. But it became frustrating when a male Painted Bunting appeared and all those click-click-clicks were not mine.
Black-Crested Titmouse
As birds would have it, I walked over to the other blind, which had a less accessible, smaller hole, but it was open, and shortly thereafter a male Painted Bunting came to the suet feeder and put on a show for me. These are two of more shots than I can count. Although I would later get photos of this species in better light, I will always treasure these for their intimacy.
Painted Bunting
Feel free to click on any photo to see an enlargement.
One quick aside: I was pleased and surprised to see the Clay-Colored Sparrow from the last post on top of the feeder pole this evening when I got home. It’s nice to know he’s still enjoying his visit.
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Great captures Lisa! The Painted Bunting is gorgeous, I’ve never shot one! 🙂
Thanks, HJ! I only caught a glimpse of one 5 years ago so I consider this my lifer. It is an unbelievable bird. Almost more like a tropical tanager.
What a coincidence! We arrived at Pedernales Falls yesterday, and spent about three hours there. We spent the night at a motel in Fredricksberg, and are returning to the falls this morning, to spend most of the day there. I will be posting my photos from there probably this weekend sometime.
Love your post and photos. Sorry about those two rude people. They don’t sound like the typical Texan.
We stayed at Songbird Meadows Bed & Breakfast @ Johnson City. They have a great property with feeders and a little blind too. And Wild Turkeys. As for the two guys, it bothered one of my friends more than me and anyway the bunting seemed to know better. Thanks for your kind comment. =)
P.S. That Painted Bunting photo is outstanding!
Thanks & look forward to seeing your photos!
The painted bunting is almost too good to be true.
I know. It was hard to imagine looking for more birds after that.
Too bad about your boorish companions. But the painted bunting is gorgeous. Are they ever seen in Chicago? I saw an indigo bunting in our yard yesteday.
A Painted Bunting in Chicago would be rarer than your Varied Thrush. At least for now! Congrats on the Indigo. My migrants so far as I know have been limited to Gray Catbird, White-crowned Sparrow & Clay-Colored.
Gorgeous Painted Bunting Lisa! All great captures!
Thanks so much, Donna! I was really surprised by the buntings turned out to be plentiful after that – it must have been their week. 🙂