GREAT KISKADEES IN LOUISIANA

Cameron Rutt and Stephanie Wheeler's discovery of a Great Kiskadee nest in Sulphur, LA on May 5, 2015 was the first documented case of fledgling Kiskadees in the United States outside of Texas. Great find guys!

It was interesting how the Kiskadees were at ease nesting in the Live Oak Tree at the RV Park with all the people, trailers and traffic around.

The two Kiskadee parents worked hard building the nest and tirelessly provided for their little ones.

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Parent Kiskadee flying to nest with food for the nestlings.

Parent feeding nestlings, Notice the canopy over the nest with the tunnel entrance.

Parent Kiskadee flying from nest. Interesting pattern of feathers on the top of his head.

Parent Kiskadee flying from nest with fecal sac.

Two nestlings peeking from their nest.

Stretching his wings in preparation for fledge.

First fledgling Kiskadee to be photographed in the United States.outside of Texas.

Two fledglings staying close to each other in the nest tree on the morning of fledge.

All three fledglings hanging out together in the nest tree waiting to be fed.

Parent feeding fledgling what appears to be dog food.

A closer look

"I can't believe I ate the w-h-o-l-e thing." That was incredible!

Another feeding and yep, dog food once again.

Frogs were on the menu.

Lizards as well.

And even snakes

The parents actively defend their nest against intruders as seen when a cat came sauntering by too close to the nest tree. The parent cut loose with his loud, raucous war cry and dove head first at the cat. The cat could not get out of there fast enough.

The little Kiskadee family is off to a great start and I wish them the best. How long it will take for this uncommon bird in Louisiana to become common?

FEMALE BLACKPOLL WARBLER

An uncommon and easy to miss female Blackpoll Warbler seen at Peveto Woods Sanctuary on 4/20/15. A special thanks to sharp-eyed Matt Pontiff for pointing it out.

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GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER

Four amazing Golden-winged Warblers were present at Peveto Sanctuary today. With friendly, masterful birders like Dan Lane, Robby Bacon, Matt / Gary Pontiff (who had a 22 warbler day) and Chris West in the woodlot you are destined to see one. These guys are Warbler Bloodhounds extraordinaire eager to share their findings.

This was my second ever Golden-Winged Warbler to see and it was exciting. I was fortunate to capture a picture to share with all who have yet to see one.

Best,
Tom

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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?

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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