SEARCHING FOR WHISKERS

The skulking, rare-to-Louisiana Black-whiskered Vireo that has been hanging out at Peveto Sanctuary taunted Billy Kleinpeter and I as it bounced through the treetops. We were on it in a heartbeat and admiring it as it foraged through the woodlot.

LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE


W-H-I-S-K-E-R-S !!

This guy / gal was a real beauty and hard to get a photo as he/she continuously hopped behind leaves / limbs thus keeping out of sight.

PEVETO CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS

This sight at Peveto today reminded of a decorated Christmas Tree.

How many birds and species of birds do you see in the Mulberry Tree? This picture was taken today, 4/17/15 at Peveto Woods Sanctuary.

If you guessed eight birds and five species you are correct. :)

There is  one Painted Bunting at the top of the tree.
There are two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (one with his booty facing you on the branch to the right.
There is one Scarlet Tanager.
There are two Baltimore Orioles. The female is sitting on the extreme left branch.
There are two Indigo Buntings toward the bottom.

COOL?  :)

Best,
Tom

LEFT-CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE

SCREECH OWL NESTBOX

Although I have never seen a Screech Owl in the wild it would be a win-win situation to build a nest box for them to nest in.

I had enough one inch thick cypress pieces to build a Screech Owl Nest box using plans found on the net. Now that it is built where is the optimum place to locate it?

Is there a preferred tree to place the box?
Should the nest box face north, south, east or west or does it matter?
How high should it be placed in the tree?

We have never seen nor heard Screech Owls in our area but hopefully one will locate the nest box and add to the population.

Much appreciated,
Tom

RARE DARK MORPH FERRUGINOUS HAWK

It is a pleasure to share this picture of the rare-to-Louisiana Dark Morph Ferruginous Hawk taken on 1/7/15 which has been documented only twice ever in our state.

After hours of searching for this extremely rare Hawk it was delightful to spot it sitting motionless in a tree surrounded by limbs near Cameron Prairie Headquarters. I approached carefully with my camera outside his comfort range in order not to frighten him where he might fly away. He was scanning the fields for prey but periodically turned his head keeping me in check all the while. I managed to collect a few pictures of this magnificent Raptor and exited quietly. As I departed he turned his head one last time to see what was up. I thanked Mr. Rare Dark Morph Ferruginous perched in the tree for showing up and allowing me to take its picture to share with all. He seemed to say, "You are welcome", turned his head and continued his vigilante watch over the field for his next meal.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this picture and hope you are able to see this rare-to-Louisiana Raptor if you have not.

Best,
Tom

LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE


New picture

How do you like his discerning look?

Check out his legs / talons!

CINNAMON TEAL

The rare-to-Louisiana, Review List Cinnamon Teal showed up again to Pintail Loop on 1/8/2015. Is he a hybrid CITE? I don't know but he is a good-looking little guy.

LEFT-CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURE

How cold was it yesterday? How often do you see Geese standing on frozen water in SW Louisiana?

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015

Don't forget about the female Northern Cardinal. She is often overlooked due to the brilliant red plumage sported by her male counterpart but is s good-looking bird as well. :)

Happy New Year to All !

Best,
Tom

LEFT CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURE

END OF THE YEAR 2014

I fell short on bird images this year so sharing some "blasts from the past" along with some recent pics is in order. This year has been a fun one and has been a blur in front of my face as the time has passed so fast. Where does it go?

LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A rare-to-Louisiana, stunning Shiny Cowbird showed up in Cameron Parish in 2010. They don't come around often and are truly an impressive bird to see. Hopefully 2015 will provide us with some more opportunities to see this bird.

A stunning American Kestrel perched on a wire clutching a freshly caught grasshopper.

Do you remember the rare-to-Louisiana Ferruginous Hawk that showed up in Cameron Parish on 12/12/2013?

Another rare Ferruginous Hawk showed up in Cameron Parish on 11/2010. The dark morph Ferruginous Hawk in the Thornwell area a few weeks ago must have been quite a sight to see.

Wood Duck nest boxes are common sights. One with a Momma Wood Duck exiting really gets your attention!

Why can't this be the 'Ghost Bird' ?  :)

The 'Blood Moon' was certainly a cool sight to see in 2014.

Have a Happy New Year!

P.S. - If anyone knows where some Short-eared Owls are hanging out and would like to have their picture taken please shoot me an email.

Best,  :)
Tom

SAM HOUSTON STATE PARK

Billy Jones and I had fun taking pictures at Sam Houston State Park today.

LEFT-CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURES

Are you guilty of listening for a 'double-knock' or looking for a large triangle of white on the lower back of a large Woodpecker in hopes that it might be the legendary Ivory-billed Woodpecker which is probably extinct? Wouldn't it be nice if some were still hanging around?

Regardless, it was exciting to see this Pileated Woodpecker land in a tree nearby.

Hugging the tree

A small, curious and restless Brown-headed Nuthatch was out and about.

Pine Warblers are always a treat to see.

My wife tells me our grandchildren need to grow feathers in order for me to take their pictures! :)

Our granddaughter is in the eighth grade, plays on a tournament soccer team and helps coach younger girls just starting soccer. She is outgoing, involved in organizations at school, President of the Rebel Riot, maintains a banner roll average and was voted runner-up for Miss W.W. Lewis Middle School. She is a super grand daughter and we are proud of her.

She is holding a trophy she won Tuesday afternoon. She placed first among all the Middle Schools in Calcasieu Parish's Forensic Tournament with her oratory speech on placing prayer back in school. She is pictured on the left along with her friend who placed second is on the right.

A TALENTED HUMMINGBIRD

TRUE STORY! :)

This Hummingbird lit on our sugar water feeder and looked around. A few seconds later he began singing his favorite Tim McGraw song. Seeing in believing. What a talented little guy.  :)

A MIXTURE

LEFT-CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES

A BLACK RAIL?  It was tense for a moment however it turned out to be a black King Rail Chick scurrying into the high grass to be with his calling parent.

Feeding White-faced Ibis cool.

Recognize this bird? It is an early AM in-flight Wood Stork.

The prehistoric-looking Wood Storks are cool birds to see. FYI there will be another Wood Stork Day  this year July 19, 2014 at Sherburne WMA South Farm for anyone who would like to see one. The particulars are here http://www.jjaudubon.net/events Thanks to the LDWF, US Army Corps of Engineers and all the hard-working people who make this possible.

How anxious do you get when you see a large Woodpecker fly by in hopes that it might an Ivory-billed Woodpecker?

Yellow-throated Vireo

 The 'Great Imitator' keeping a watchful eye on the photographer.

The remaining pictures were taken close to Galveston, Texas.

Sometimes you find the strangest birds behind a shrimp boat. Do you see the Magnificent Frigatebird?.

A better look at the Magnificent Frigatebird.

Finally, a picture of an American Oystercatcher.