2019-09-19 Head Shots

Greater Roadrunner

High Valley Area. Poway, California (San Diego County).

Great Horned Owl

Owls in the hay barn at Antelope Island State Park, north of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wilson's Snipe

This bird was almost too close for my lens to focus at the Visitor Center on the north edge of Jackson, Wyoming.

Canada Goose

At the Visitor Center on the north edge of Jackson, Wyoming.

Wood Duck

Lindo Lake in Lakeside, California. San Diego County.

Wild Turkey

A conspicuous yardbird in Bitterroot Valley near Stevensville, Montana.

Common Yellowthroat

(Geothlypis trichas) Community Park along Rattlesnake Creek in Poway, California. San Diego County USA 2015-01-07.

Black Phoebe

Community Park along Rattlesnake Creek in Poway, California. San Diego County.

Northern Mockingbird

(Mimus polyglottos) A watchful eye at Community Park along Rattlesnake Creek in Poway, California. San Diego County USA 2015-01-07.

Lark Sparrow

(Chondestes grammacus) These birds are often found at Community Park along Rattlesnake Creek in Poway, California. San Diego County USA 2015-01-07.

Cedar Waxwing

Community Park along Rattlesnake Creek in Poway, California. San Diego County.

American Robin

Pyracantha berry feeding frenzy in Poway, California. San Diego County.

Cattle Egret

(Bubulcus ibis) Breeding plumage at the Safari Park (Formerly San Diego Wild Animal Park). Escondido, California. San Diego County USA 2013-05-05.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

(Myrtle Warbler sub-species) Winter bird in Nestor area of Imperial Beach, California. San Diego County.

Canada Goose

Lindo Lake. Lakeside, California. San Diego County.

Canyon Towhee

Silver Creek area, east of Bullhead City, near Oatman, Arizona. In Golden Valley.

Brown Pelican

Brown eyes. Along the rocky coast south of Point La Jolla. La Jolla, San Diego County, California.

Mandarin Duck

At the Albuquerque Zoo, or BioPark in New Mexico.

Great Blue Heron

A first summer bird at the slough near the mouth of the San Digito River. Del Mar, San Diego County, California.

Great Egret

San Diego River flood control channel. San Diego, California 2010-01-08.

Little Blue Heron

San Diego River flood control channel. San Diego, California 2010-01-08.

Willow Ptarmigan

North Fork Pass, Dempster Highway, Yukon, Canada.

Pied-Billed Grebe

Kumeyaay Lake, Mission Trails Regional Park, near Santee, California in San Diego County 2009-05-01.

White-faced Ibis

Foraging in the fields by Vendel Road. Salton Sea Vicinity. Imperial County, California.

Western Screech-Owl

Female Captive Rehab bird at Sweetwater Marsh NWR. San Diego County, California.

Snowy Egret

Whelan Lake. Near Oceanside, California. Northern San Diego County.

Western Bluebird

The Springs at Santa Rosa Mountain. Riverside County, California.

Western Bluebird

At the 'Springs' on Santa Rosa Mountain. Elevation 7400' on southern Riverside County, California.

Townsend's Warbler

(Dendroica townsendi) Cut-out from an image captured at the springs on Santa Rosa Mountain. Elevation 7400' on southern Riverside County, California USA 2014-08-30.

Great Egret

Closeup captured on 2019-01-21 at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge near Willows California (USA).

Ridgway’s Rail (Clapper Rail)

Yuma subspecies foraging the marsh edges at the Salton Sea NWR and Vicinity. Imperial County, California USA 2003-09-26.

American Wigeon

On the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, in Socorro New Mexico USA 2005-02-18.

Hooded Merganser

A wild bird at the Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico 2005-02-18.

White-Headed Woodpecker

(Leuconotopicus albolarvatus) Peekaboo Shot at the Springs on Santa Rosa Mountain in Southern Riverside County, California USA 2004-08-05.

Snow Goose

(Anser caerulescens) Captured grazing very near the tour road on 2019-01-21 at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge near Willows California (USA).

Summer Tanager

Up-close and personal in Florida Canyon on the northern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains, east of Green Valley Arizona.

Western Gull

Fledglings anticipating a meal in the early morning at the La Jolla Cove. San Diego California.

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Eastern Wood-Pewees seemed to be everywhere we looked during this day of migration. Tuesday night’s winds at South Padre Island (Texas) did not produce the big warbler fallout we hoped for at the Convention Center. Still, there were several birding surprises in store for those of us who showed up to find birds.

Long-Billed Thrasher

Long-Billed Thrashers seemed to be all over the grounds during my visit. Before leaving the Lower Rio Grande Valley and travelling west, I stopped at the National Butterfly Center in Mission to see friends there.

Great Kiskadee

Kiskadees around most of Texas can be quite shy, but not here on SPI. It was a bright Sunday on South Padre Island, and I stayed over 9 hours. I started the morning with an hour at Sheepshead Sanctuary and drove to the Convention Centre for the rest of the day, and met a couple of birds new to me.

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

I’ve not met this bird at the Convention Centre, but at Sheepshead they are regulars. It was a bright Sunday on South Padre Island, and I stayed over 9 hours. I started the morning with an hour at Sheepshead Sanctuary and drove to the Convention Centre for the rest of the day, and met a couple of birds new to me.

Scarlet Tanager

As I waited for the Blackpoll Warbler to appear, this Scarlet Tanager dared me to take its picture. Spring visits to South Padre Island can produce unexpected results. Sometimes there are lulls in the migration, and other times there are spikes.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs have a long journey ahead to reach their breeding grounds. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Plain Chachalaca

Chachalacas were so used to people here, they would almost walk over your feet if you remained still. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Long-Billed Thrasher

Three thrasher species live in south Texas; mockingbirds, this bird and the Curve-Billed Thrasher. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Green Jay

Green Jays are always an interesting study. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Great-Tailed Grackle

Never a shy bird, this female birds gave me “the eye”. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Yellow-Throated Vireo

I enjoyed meeting the Yellow-Throated Vireo here again. Sunday was the 2nd day of the great warbler fallout, but unlike Saturday’s expedition, the sun shone through to light her subjects.

Wood Thrush

Unsatisfied with the images of this bird from Saturday, I liked these images much better. Sunday was the 2nd day of the great warbler fallout, but unlike Saturday’s expedition, the sun shone through to light her subjects.

Swainson's Thrush

Swainson’s Thrushes wandered the lawns and the nearby understory. Sunday was the 2nd day of the great warbler fallout, but unlike Saturday’s expedition, the sun shone through to light her subjects.

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

Joining the warblers in migration was this gnatcatcher. Sunday was the 2nd day of the great warbler fallout, but unlike Saturday’s expedition, the sun shone through to light her subjects.

Summer Tanager

Tanagers started trickling in last week, but today there were so many more on site. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck

Ducks enjoyed the seed placed by volunteers. This weekend provided the “perfect storm” for a warbler fallout on South Padre Island; a cold north wind, rain, and a ton of birds trying to head north.

Veery

My first ever meeting with this species went rather well. I had an exceptional day at the SPI Convention Centre. I met three new bird species: Veery, Dickcissel, and Black-Billed Cuckoo.

Indigo Bunting

Indigo Buntings have been present for a week, but there seemed to be more of them today than recent days. I had an exceptional day at the SPI Convention Centre. I met three new bird species: Veery, Dickcissel, and Black-Billed Cuckoo.

Black-Billed Cuckoo

This bird has a well-earned reputation for eating caterpillars. It took awhile to find an angle that wasn’t obscured by foliage, but at last the bird cooperated. I had an exceptional day at the SPI Convention Centre. I met three new bird species: Veery, Dickcissel, and Black-Billed Cuckoo.

Hooded Warbler

Today’s visit was my first in a while where I didn’t meet male Hooded Warblers, but here was a young lady. My plan for an early start to my day chasing birds on South Padre Island backfired when a fog so heavy greeted me that my lens got coated with dew, rendering the already dark shadows where my subjects foraged were hopeless. During my last hour there, the lighting improved.

White-Eyed Vireo

Busy vireo. With a momentary lull in warbler migration on South Padre Island, I paid my admission to the Birds and Nature Center to attempt catching subjects that don’t make many appearances at the Convention Centre.

Roseate Spoonbill

I enjoyed the enthusiasm of this Roseate Spoonbill’s bathing technique. With a momentary lull in warbler migration on South Padre Island, I paid my admission to the Birds and Nature Center to attempt catching subjects that don’t make many appearances at the Convention Centre.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Red-Winged Blackbirds are present here on the island in large swarms. Last year the global pandemic prevented me from experiencing the full effects of spring migration in south Texas. This year the gates are open and I’m venturing to South Padre Island about every second day.

Hooded Oriole

This first year male oriole hasn’t acquired the bright orange-yellow of the mature adult birds. Last year the global pandemic prevented me from experiencing the full effects of spring migration in south Texas. This year the gates are open and I’m venturing to South Padre Island about every second day.

Prothonotary Warbler

This female Prothonotary Warbler was the first member of its species I met. April on South Padre Island provides me with close encounters like no other place I’ve ever visited. By most experienced birders here, it will only get better in the coming weeks.

Boat-Tailed Grackle

The grackles I met at San Bernard were Boat-Tailed (note the dark eyes). I drove this Wednesday to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, but found its gates locked, so as a consolation prize, I continued to San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, where I found birds that hadn’t left Texas yet for the winter.

White-Faced Ibis

I met several White-Faced and White Ibis on my tour of the pond. I broke camp at High Island early Monday and set a course for nearby Anahuac National Wildlife Reserve. There are several roads to explore there, but I chose the loop around Shoveler Pond.

Black Vulture

This vulture perched on a telescope at the top of the tower and let me approach quite close. Monday I took a quick tour at Aransas NWR. It was windy and raining, and so I kept my camera gear stowed in the RV, but I climbed the Big Tree Tower and saw lots of Black and Turkey Vultures perched in the trees below the tower. With better weather Tuesday, I set out to capture some closeups.

American White Pelican

I’m told White Pelicans on these freshwater wetlands usually remain rather distant, but for my visit they ventured into close range. Hurricane Harvey, in 2017, hit Port Aransas (Texas) hard. The beginning stages of rebuilding the Port Aransas Nature Center’s boardwalk began with a 1500’ footpath, but there are plans to extend it to about three miles.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Bachelor male Red-Wings were present all day here, and never far from the feeding station. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Northern Cardinal

Cardinals abound in south Texas, and this place was no exception. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Green Jay

Green Jays visiting the feeding station in waves were always entertaining. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

Woodpeckers seemed to enjoy the fare at the feeding station here. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Altamira Oriole

These resident orioles appreciated the food offerings the staff provided. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

As I was walking out of the compound, it was my good fortune to spend time with this small hawk. The series of shots I captured are easily the best images of this species I’ve captured to date. I spent a lovely day walking the paths of Quinta Mazatlan, a 20 acre reserve in McAllen (Texas). Late February may not be the best time to chase birds in the area, but those I met pleased me.

White-Faced Ibis

When first I sat down to shoot these ibis feeding in the shallows, they were too far for good shots. I remained still, and the flock moved closer. I finally got my chance to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Reserve this Sunday. I’ve wanted to explore there since my first trip to Texas in the Spring of 2020, but with the global pandemic, it was one of several locations that shut their doors to all visitors while I was here last spring.

American White Ibis

White Ibis were another species I met at the Nature Center I did not see well at the Convention Centre. There are wetlands that the South Padre Island Convention Centre (free access) and the Birding & Nature Center (admission fee required) share. My previous visits to the wetlands had been to the Convention Centre. On this day I would find out why folks pay money to see the marsh, when there is free access next door.

Tricolored Heron

Tricolored Herons were among the many waders I met at the wetlands. There are wetlands that the South Padre Island Convention Centre (free access) and the Birding & Nature Center (admission fee required) share. My previous visits to the wetlands had been to the Convention Centre. On this day I would find out why folks pay money to see the marsh, when there is free access next door.

Purple Martin

I’d not seen Purple Martins this winter in south Texas until I came to Edinburg. These were the early-birds of the species. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place!

Plain Chachalaca

I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place!

White-Tipped Dove

When not exploiting the food at the feeding station, these doves skulked through the thick brush under the trees. It was ten days earlier when I paid my first visit to the Sabal Palm Sanctuary in Brownsville Texas. I tried to explore trails I missed last time here.

Northern Cardinal

Cardinals, jays, titmice, and thrashers were attracted to the feeders and water provided by the staff at the sanctuary. It was ten days earlier when I paid my first visit to the Sabal Palm Sanctuary in Brownsville Texas. I tried to explore trails I missed last time here.

Common Gallinule

The wetlands near the Convention Center provided ideal habitat for these gallinules. Last spring I learned how productive South Padre Island can be for birding. This was my first visit in winter and it did not disappoint.

Anhinga

My second afternoon capturing bird images in camp at Breeze Lake, Brownsville Texas.

Cactus Wren

Cactus Wrens and Rock Wrens play regularly in this cactus garden. In Langtry Texas there is a museum run by the Texas DOT and dedicated to the memory of Judge Roy Bean, who was a colorful Texan figure in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Outside the visitor center is a lovely cactus garden replete with many of the native birds.

Snow Goose

With the close approach of white geese, capturing these headshots seemed like a good idea. Snow Geese numbers have dwindled over the past few years at Bosque, but when a swarm of several thousand white geese descends, it can still dazzle. The world famous Bosque del Apache may not be the center of the geese and crane universe today that it once was, but it can still provide a few thrills. A tour on this Tuesday in December taught me this lesson.

Ross's Goose

With the close approach of white geese, capturing these headshots seemed like a good idea. It required a close examination of the mass of white geese before me to pick out the Ross’s Geese. The world famous Bosque del Apache may not be the center of the geese and crane universe today that it once was, but it can still provide a few thrills. A tour on this Tuesday in December taught me this lesson.

Sandhill Crane

The cranes (both Lesser and Greater Sandhills) were tolerant of people here because many folks in the neighborhood fed them corn. Corrales NM is a community a few miles north of Albuquerque, with several open fields where Sandhill Cranes have found reliable food supplied by local residents. Jerry and I spent a few hours getting aquainted with them on Wednesday.

Steller's Sea Eagle

Jerry and I spent a few hours at the Albuquerque Zoo, where I've always enjoyed their Duck Pond and the wild ducks that congregate there.

Canada Goose

Jerry and I spent a few hours at the Albuquerque Zoo, where I've always enjoyed their Duck Pond and the wild ducks that congregate there.

Golden Eagle

Jerry and I spent a few hours at the Albuquerque Zoo, where I've always enjoyed their Duck Pond and the wild ducks that congregate there.

Harris's Hawk

Minnie loved perching on heads between her sorties. It's always good to have on a hat at these times. The highlight of the day was enjoying the flying skills of Matt's Harris's Hawk sisters, Minnie and Etta. Jerry, his good friend Ken and I spent a few hours at Bosque del Apache before meeting master falconer Matt Mitchell and his Harris's Hawks.

Coyote

This canine strolled by with all the confidence of an alpha pack member. Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded.

Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

Midway between Brownsville and Boca Chica Beach in south Texas is Palmito Hill Ranch, the site of the last battle of the Civil War. Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers are always fun to meet, and several pairs made their summer homes on these grounds.

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Until my 2020 Texas expedition, I’d only met a couple of Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks. Texas was more generous to me. The Convention Center on South Padre Island, Texas is a first rate birding destination. I spent several hours in the morning and several more in the afternoon on this day.

Plain Chachalaca

Chacalacas are brash and bold, and their loud and raucous calls can be heard from great distances. My third visit to Atascosa NWR in South Texas was intended to pickup images of a couple of the birds I came up short with on my second visit. But then I started meeting new birds and I stayed all day.

Mottled Duck

The olive drab bill on this bird suggest it is an adult female. Mottled Ducks look quite like American Black Ducks, but these birds prefer the Gulf Coast, while the Black Duck stays close to the Atlantic seaboard. My second full day on South Padre Island, Texas was less birdy than my first day, but still I met some great birds.

Greater Roadrunner

Greater Roadrunners are not uncommon in Texas, but this bird's love of the water provided my most memorable meetings during my visit to the state in 2020. My third visit to Atascosa NWR in South Texas was intended to pickup images of a couple of the birds I came up short with on my second visit. But then I started meeting new birds and I stayed all day.

Gray Catbird

Gray Catbirds were the most common bird I met during my visit to the island. The Convention Center on South Padre Island, Texas is a first rate birding destination. I spent several hours in the morning and several more in the afternoon on this day.

Bronzed Cowbird

Bronzed Cowbirds are known for their thick-necked appearance, which results from their ability to raise the feathers on their necks. My third visit to Atascosa NWR in South Texas was intended to pickup images of a couple of the birds I came up short with on my second visit. But then I started meeting new birds and I stayed all day.

Baltimore Oriole

I met a lot of Baltimore Orioles in south Texas as they migrated north. They aren’t known here in nesting times. My second full day on South Padre Island, Texas was less birdy than my first day, but still I met some great birds.

Baltimore Oriole

I met a lot of Baltimore Orioles in south Texas as they migrated north. They aren’t known here in nesting times. My second full day on South Padre Island, Texas was less birdy than my first day, but still I met some great birds.

Plumbeous Vireo

Driving along the Tularosa River near Apache Creek, New Mexico, I stopped at a likely looking location to look for birds, where this Plumbeous Vireo came to investigate my presence in his domain.

Ash-Throated Flycatcher

Driving along the Tularosa River near Apache Creek, New Mexico, I stopped at a likely looking location to look for birds, where I found Ash-Throated Flycatchers hunting their winged insect prey.

Great Blue Heron

This Great Blue Heron was probably digesting fish caught in the nearby water shallows. The Convention Center on South Padre Island, Texas is a first rate birding destination. I spent several hours in the morning and several more in the afternoon on this day.

White-Tipped Dove

When first I heard the moaning call of these birds, I was confused about who the singer was. I found them the most numerous dove on the reserve. Atascosa NWR was a short drive from my camp in Brownsville, Texas, and remained open during the COVID-19 crisis, when many other nearby birding hotspots shut down.

Great Kiskadee

Often elusive, this bird overcame its shyness for a drink and a bath. Atascosa NWR was a short drive from my camp in Brownsville, Texas, and remained open during the COVID-19 crisis, when many other nearby birding hotspots shut down.

Green Jay

Green Jays were the most numerous bird at the Visitor Center. Atascosa NWR was a short drive from my camp in Brownsville, Texas, and remained open during the COVID-19 crisis, when many other nearby birding hotspots shut down.

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

Often elusive, I found this bird was more cooperative. Atascosa NWR was a short drive from my camp in Brownsville, Texas, and remained open during the COVID-19 crisis, when many other nearby birding hotspots shut down.

American White Ibis

I drove to Port Isabel from Brownsville on an errand, then I scouted the neighborhood and roadsides for birds.

Muscovy Duck

Muscovy ducks are huge. A big male can have a five foot wingspan. There are 3 varieties: wild, feral, and domestic. Wild birds are usually secretive. These birds (likely feral) showed up at my "home base" in Brownsville Texas, where a "Resaca" or Oxbow lake is on its southern border. I spent April Fools morning checking out the local bird life.

Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck

As I was leaving Harlingen Texas and heading to Brownsville, I looked at the birding opportunities that might be in town. By chance I noticed several Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks gathered along a canal. I had to stop.

White-Crowned Sparrow

Up-close and personal view. Because of the working well and wind pump at the site of the old Sam Nail Ranch homestead in Big Bend, it is a great place to meet a variety of birds.