Philadelphia Vireo, Quintana

Quintana Birds

 My post did not mention the Kentucky Warbler. He is in the photo of yellow bird with black coming down each side of head, peeking out of bushes coming to water bath. We were only given a quick glimpse and he was frightened away by the loud Grackles. I also forgot to mention the Worm-eating Warbler. He and the Prothonotary Warbler had a confrontation at the water! Fun to witness. We also saw two Northern Bobwhite today, awesome! The fire ants have really hurt this species. I love the sweet face of the Philadelphia Vireo.

Quintana

I knew I must write the highlights of this day as quickly as I could. A truly awesome day for any "Birder" We headed to Quintana, Texas this beautiful April morning.  We typically do make it here during migration.  The birding is wonderful and the birds are close enough to view easily as well as photograph them. I have to admit that the photography has become my passion. I started my birding being excited to identify any bird!! I remember the first time I saw a Painted Bunting in Big Bend.  I was immediately hooked!  My binoculars are better, my camera amazing, but the passion for identifying and photographing these beautiful creatures of God never wanes.  I am so thankful to get the opportunity to continue this journey. Today my husband and I were blessed to see at least 20 migrants. I saw the Cerulean Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Prothonotary Warbler, the Philadelphia Vireo, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Blue Grosbeak. Indigo Bunting,Painted Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak,Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Wood Thrush, Common Nighthawk as well as Purple Martins, Boat -tailed Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds,Northern Cardinals, Mockingbirds, and the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Oh, I forgot the Killdeer and its young, so precious. I will post some pictures as soon as I can go through and pick the best of each bird. Hope if you are a birder, your day was as much fun as mine!

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are intriguing to me. I enjoy watching and observing the intense way they go about their work. I have chosen these Woodpecker photos to share. The Pileated, Downy, Red-bellied, Ladder-backed male and female, Golden-fronted, Red headed, and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, also a member of this family. We also see the Hairy Woodpecker quite often in the summer. The Acorn Woodpecker was great to see in Arizona. My husband and I were thrilled to see the Red-cockaded Woodpecker a couple of years ago in East Texas.