Blessing Area, Quintana,Texas (continued)

Visit to Tejano Wetlands and Quintana

 We were blessed to visit the Blessing,Texas area. We enjoyed time with friends as well as visiting some great birding sites.  Tejano Wetlands was a new one for us. We saw the Common Goldeneye at the wetlands. This was a new bird for me.  My pictures were good for identification, not close enough for detail. I will be posting several series of photos from this trip. I will identify the birds for anyone new to birding. The Ruddy Turnstone was also a new bird for me. He was very interesting looking. The Upland Sandpiper and American pipit were abundant on our trip,as well as the Savannah Sparrow. The Black and White warbler, Northern Parula, American Redstart (immature), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles,Summer Tanager,Eastern Kingbird,Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Hooded Warbler entertained us as well.   A Common Yellowthroat gave us a quick look at the Wetlands.   While we were at Quintana a beautiful Great Crested Flycatcher sat in a nearby bush .  Lucky Me!!  Blessings!

Bluebirds, The Fight was on!

This experience with two male Eastern Bluebirds was definitely a scene we will not forget.  My husband first saw them on the ground, one holding the other down.  He called to me as he realized what was happening so that I could witness this battle with him.  I am sure we were standing with mouths open, staring in disbelief. Our nesting Bluebirds were defending their nest.   The invading male was apparently trying to take over or move into the resident Bluebird's territory.  I, of course, did not have my camera lens needed for close photos in this situation.  I was thankful to have my camera with me at all.  I grabbed it and started shooting, moving as close as I could to the birds. I do not believe the two males were aware of my presence at first.  They would notice me and fly to a nearby tree later.  The feathers flew, face to face battle as you could not imagine of two small birds! Crazy! Amazing!  This was an amazing display of defending one's home.  I know that we will not forget this day!  Blessings!!!

This Week in Our Backyard Sanctuary

 We have been working to create an environment that will encourage our bird friends to stop for a visit, sit a spell,sip a bit of water or simply cool off with a refreshing bath. More than twenty have enjoyed our hospitality this week. It has been so exciting that we have found it difficult to leave our porch and camera. 
The Carolina Wren has been singing from a tree top.  The Gray Catbird can be heard in the woods or seen at the water enjoying his bath.  The Northern Cardinals fly through on a regular basis.  The American Goldfinch and the Pine Siskin are constantly eating or visiting the water. The Chipping Sparrows cover the ground areas where we have placed seed for them.  The Blue Jays love this ground feeding also.  The Hermit Thrush rarely misses his a.m. or p.m.bath.  The Pileated Woodpecker visits a nearby Oak.  The Red-bellied Woodpecker has discovered the peanut butter suet.  The Black and White Warbler travels up and down a tree, much like the Nuthatch.  He also stops for a quick drink of water.  Yesterday the White-eyed Vireo sat in a Yaupon Holly for a few seconds. Today a pair of Vireos were heard singing near the water.  The Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee visit regularly during the day.  We enjoyed a multitude of Cedar Wax-wings in the yard today. A Robin or two still visit as well as one Mockingbird and one Brown-headed Cowbird. It has been an amazing week ! We are Blessed!