Made it out to the lake over the weekend and was privileged to see our first of the season scissor-tailed flycatcher. It was a chilly morning (31), so there were quite a few birds hanging out on the warm(er) pavement. At this time of year, I always worry about the early arrivals who primarily eat insects. We also saw this beautiful young red-tailed hawk.
I think it has been about two years since I last saw a scissor-tailed flycatcher. Good to see them again!
We also managed very good looks at a sleeping barred owl and several deer foraging near the road.
Checked in on a nearby great blue heron rookery. They’ve moved back a bit more into the wooded area, so the pictures are not so great, but so glad to see they’re still there!
They always look so elegant. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I am still seeing quite a few young tree swallows and was lucky enough the other day to see a young flycatcher (note the absence of the scissor-tail). Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I love driving past a field and seeing them sitting on top of the tall grass. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The last couple of weeks have been full of new arrivals. I know I shouldn’t play favorites, but the scissor-tailed flycatchers are one of mine. Of course, the ruby-crowned kinglet is adorable and the singing of the brown thrasher can’t be beat. OK, maybe not so much favorites. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
This red-tailed hawk came flying out of nowhere, then I noticed the scissor-tailed fly catchers in hot pursuit. One seemed to be riding the poor hawk. There was a scissor-tail nest nearby, so while I feel bad for the hawk, I would imagine these were parents defending their nest. I’m not sure that the hawk doesn’t have something in her talons. Click on pictures to enlarge. More red-tailed hawk pictures here.
Not the best pictures in the world (mid-afternoon in shadows), but it was wonderful to watch the flycatcher parents coming and going and feeding the babies. We will make an early morning trip soon and I’ll try to get clearer shots. Click on pictures to enlarge.
I thought I was taking a picture of a scissor-tailed flycatcher in the tree. It wasn’t until we got home that we saw the nest. How neat is that! That certainly explains why the two adults were hanging around. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
