Two Different Review List Birds in One Picture

A light rain and the fog set in as I set out this morning heading to Oilfield Miller Road where Paul Conover made a fantastic find of a Lark Bunting and a Green-Tailed Towhee. I had thoughts of turning around, heading home and trying another day due to the weather but decided against it.

I arrived at Oilfield Miller Road, parked my truck on the side of the road and waited. Just as I stopped there was movement to the north side of the road past the ditch. Several Coyotes sped by appearing to be in pursuit of something although I didn't see what it was.

Sparrows were gathered on the road in front of my truck. What kind were they? I reached for my binoculars and discovered I left them at home. I thought to myself, "Perhaps I should have stayed home?". I quickly looked in my back seat for my camera. At least I hadn't forgot it.

While watching for the Lark Bunting and Green-Tailed Towhee some White-Crowned Sparrows moved in. Hopefully this was a good sign of things to come.

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All of a sudden there were two birds on the ground on the north side of the road. I shook my head in disbelief and had to pinch myself to believe what I thought I saw was really what I saw. What started out as a not-so-good day all of a sudden became an INCREDIBLE DAY! The Green-Tailed Towhee and the Lark Bunting were on the north side of the road sitting on the ground mere inches apart. I was glad I had my camera because this would be hard for anyone to believe.

Both hung around for a few mintues and posed for pictures. The Green-Tailed Towhee is one striking bird.

The Lark Bunting got a bit nervous and flew up in a bush nearby. It was spectacular to see! Great finds Paul and thanks for sharing and posting to labird.

On the way home a discerning Red-Tailed Hawk was perched in a tree watching out for a meal.

I considered heading to the casino but changed my mind.

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Miller Oil Field Road did not produce the Lark Bunting or GT Towhee from noon to 4 PM today. As a consolation there were five Yellow-Headed Blackbirds on the north side of Miller Oil Field Road about 1/2 way between Turf Grass Road and Oilfield Road hanging around the cows feeding on hay.

It is still hard to believe that a blackbird exists with a yellow head.

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Where's Waldo?

These guys are quite easy to pick out aren't they?

A little closer. Left-click to enlarge.

Goldfinches Gone Wild

Where are the Goldfinches? They were everywhere in my back yard today in SW LA, Sulphur. There were approximately eighty American Goldfinches.

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A lot of American Goldfinches can crowd on a few limbs.

They were squabbling at the thistle sock feeder filled with year-old thistle..

They were sitting on top of the feeder.

They were sitting at the feeder. This is the 'Feeder Bully'. No other American Goldfinches would come near him.

They were feeding on the ground. Pictured is but a portion of the large group. It is hard to believe it or not there are twenty American Goldfinches in this little group.

They are indeed some pretty birds.

An Eastern Bluebird flew up to see what all the ruckous was about.

Night Herons

Why are these guys called 'Night Herons' while they are often active during the daytime? Their name can be misleading. Even though these recluse guys often hunt at night they are not exclusively nocturnal as they are often seen feeding during daylight hours.

Black-Crowned Night Herons

The Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Herons look far different from the adults but they are cool-looking in their own right. This one was sitting motionless in a tree just above the water's edge.

What do you think of the way his feet and toes are wrapped around and locked onto the branches in the tree?

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A bit closer. This guy looks sort of stocky and hunch-backed roosting in the tree. The Night Herons have it together. By primarily resting/roosting during the day and feeding at night, they avoid competition with the Herons that feed in the same area during the day.

Once this little guy reaches adulthood he will transform into this magnificent bird with its distinctive plumage. What a clever name, 'Black-Crowned Night Heron' :)

This opportunistic feeder with his dagger-like bill appears more than capable to take care of any unsuspecting fish or critter in range.

Yellow-Crowned Night Herons

The next two pictures are juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Herons followed by an adult Yellow-Crowned Night Heron.

Young Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have the same bulky black bill as the adult but their plumage is different as you can see. Also their legs are a bit longer and they stand with a more upright posture as compared to the young Black-Crowned Night Herons.

Here is an adult Yellow-Crowned Night Heron looking for a meal during the daylight hours. Why is it named a 'Yellow-Crowned Night Heron' when it has a white crown? Its crown is white for most of the year except for breeding season when its crown turns yellow.

Eastern Wood - Pewee or Western Wood - Pewee?

I came upon this Pewee at the same place on two different occasions at Peveto about an hour apart in 2011. This one differs drastically from the countless Eastern Wood-Pewees I've seen over the years. Check out the pictures below. Do you feel this Flycatcher is an Eastern Wood-Pewee or a Western Wood- Pewee?

Some extremely knowledgeable birders from LA that I trust emailed me. The word is that without hearing a vocalizaton it is impossible to ID this bird with 100% confidence.

Regardless of the ID, it was fun seeing this Flycatcher and hoping it would be a Western Wood - Pewee. Perhaps next time the Pewee will vocalize casting no doubt as to its ID.

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Close-ups of the above two images. Left-Click to enlarge.

This Eastern Wood - Pewee was at a different location on a different day. What do you think of this one with his crest raised? Was he trying to impress a 'lady Pewee' close by?

Closing pictures for 2011

The Lionel Derouen Road area not far from Cameron-Prairie NWR is a great place for Sandhill Cranes. Their red foreheads and white cheeks were prominent as they foraged through the fields in incredible numbers. You couldn't miss hearing their loud, rattling call that carries far and wide.

Water sprayed in the air as the puddle ducks slapped the water with their wings launching themselves in the air at Pintail Loop.

A slender, agile Merlin was perched on a limb watching for a meal.

A striking Vermilion Flycatcher with his vivid red color and contrasting black eyestripe was perched on a limb watching for 'fly-bys' when he gave us a backward glance. This little 'Coal of Fire' is nothing less than spectacular to see and is certainly one of my all-time favorite birds.

A male American Kestrel was perched on the Cameron Prairie NWR sign at Pintail Loop clutching a freshly caught Savannah Sparrow in his talons. He grew nervous and after a minute and flew off with his catch to dine in privacy.

A Ross's Goose posed for a picture.

A majestic Brown Pelican, our state bird, is always a pleasure to see.

The Sandhill Cranes with their outstretched necks and long legs trailing behind them flew off as the day came to an end. It was if they were saying, "Goodbye 2011" and see you next year.

American Kestrel

Who likes the small colorful American Kestrel aka 'Sparrow Hawk'?

This little girl was hovering in the air by rapidly beating her wings while scanning the field below for prey.

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She dove down, plucked a grasshopper from the field, flew up and lit on a nearby utility wire.

She transferred the grasshopper to her left claw and inspected it closely. Are all Birds of Prey ambidextrous?

The two black spots on each side of the nape of her neck are interesting. It is theorized they serve as a false set of eyes to help serve as protection from potential attackers.

Down the hatch!

This cute little speedster also hunts by perching. She was interested in something below as she stretched out to get a better look.

It was delightful watching this American Kestrel go about her merry way. She remained on her elevated perch watching intently for prey below as I drove away. What a wonderful way to end the day!

Burrowing Owl

Hat's off to Devin Bosler and Justin Bosler for finding a rare, review list Burrowing Owl at Hackberry Ridge and for generously sharing their find for all Labirders to see! They are on a serious roll with Owls lately with the Long-Eared Owl, Burrowing and Short-Eared Owl.

This little guy with his big bright yellow eyes, white eyebrows and long legs is an amazing bird.

All this little guy needs is a clump of grass in order to blend in with his surroundings.

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This stately small Owl is quite a sight to see.

He kept a sharp eye on the Hawks as they passed overhead.

He never once let them out of his sight.

Even if the Hawks flew directly overhead he was on them.

He kept an eye on us as well. It was cool the way his pupils dialated different sizes in accordance with the shade and the position to the sun.

This little fellow really knows how to use the surroundings to camouflage himself.

I hope you enjoyed viewing these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Thanks again Devin and Justin. :)

Say's Phoebe

I made a run to Pintail Loop at Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Saturday before the LSU / Georgia game for my third and fortunately final attempt to locate the Say's Phoebe. It was discovered on November 18, 2011 by Paul Suchanek.

I immediately spotted it sitting atop a tall clump of grass overlooking the dry marsh grass not far from the east end of the boardwalk It was exciting to finally see this rare vistior to Louisiana!

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After a short while in the marsh grass area he flew west and landed on the boardwalk.

Assuming its elevated position, he periodically peered over the edge of the boardwalk looking for something to eat.

He quickly launched from the boardwalk in typical flycatcher fashion once he spotted prey below.

If he didn't manage to catch his prey in mid-air, he would either fly back to the boardwalk or land on the ground hoping to locate his quary.

It was a great day seeing this Review List bird and getting back home in time to watch LSU turn up the heat in the second half to beat Georgia and to continue their impressive, undefeated season. Go TIGERS!