A Few Warblers

Although Saturday wasn't a banner day for Warblers it is always great to get out and see what is migrating through.

The Summer Tanagers were out in force this past weekend.

The cute little Northern Parulas were showing off.

The Magnolia Warblers aka "Maggies" were hopping about in the trees.

It was a surprise to see a hen Hooded Merganser swimming in the canal off Highway 27 by Sabine NWR.

Summer Tanager Diet

A Beeeee-utiful picture?

This sharp-eyed Summer Tanager spotted a honey comb in a tree. He wasn't interested in the honey but he surely wreaked havoc on the Honey Bees as evidenced by the one in his beak. He would light on the top of the honeycomb, pick off a Honey Bee, dance around a bit and take off. This guy was definitely the star of the day and a lot of fun to watch.

LEFT-CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE

Northern Waterthrush

A picture of a Northern Waterthrush typically poking around looking for food.

LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

How about these eyelashes?

SWKI

It was special to witness the acrobatic Swallow-tailed Kites with their long narrow wings, striking black / white plumage and their scissor-like tail.

LEFT-CLICK TO ENLARGE PICS

They soar and glide in the air with relatively few and seemingly effortless wing beats.

Sometimes they preen in mid-air as they sport about.

A "ribbeting" picture? The SWKI clutches a freshly caught frog in his talons. :)

Would you want to be a fly in the sky with these guys patrolling the airspace?

Another soaring by.

PRE-MIGRATIION PICTURES

When the light hits just right, the shiny, pearl-like colors of the White-Faced Ibis (the headless variety) really shine!

LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

It's been years since I've seen a Bronzed Cowbird and it was a pleasure to see one this year. Their red eyes coupled with their neck ruff makes for an interesting-looking bird.

Now do you know what part of the fish the Osprey eats first?

The well-fed Osprey moves out.

It's a great day to be alive having an opportunity to witness the "Specks" sailing by.

Thanks for looking.
All pictures taken in SW Louisiana,
Tom

A Happy Family Picture

I thought I would share this hilarious family picture that will put a smile on your face in case some of you haven't had the good fortune of seeing Roseate Spoonbill youngsters.

You didn't have to tell this little family to smile as all of them crowded around wanting to be in the picture. These little guys are full of character and have a ton of charm! :)

Thanks for looking, :)
Tom

LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

A HEADLESS BLUE GOOSE

This Blue Goose was a bit camera-shy but was certainly nothing for him to lose his head over. :)

Thought I would share with you as his position provides for an interesting display of his wing feathers and his cool colors. All that is missing is his head! :) 

ROSS'S GOOSE

Before I stared birding I probably dismissed a Ross's Goose as a small Snow Goose as I had no idea they existed. Since then it has always been a pleasure to see these 'Little Guys'.

This picture allows you to differentiate between the 'Little Guys' and the Snow Geese. Their smaller size, shorter necks, smaller heads, rounder heads, and shorter beak lacking the grinning black lips are a dead giveaway.

AWWWWWW !!!!

Immature Blue Goose

I almost deleted this picture but the more I looked, the more I liked it. I felt sorry for this less than glamorous immature Blue Goose with its wings held back, neck outstretched and landing gear lowered preparing to land but it kind of grows on you.

So, I suppose it is best classified as a good pose of an ugly Goose?  :) :) :)

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS

There was a big fuss over spilled rice at the Rice Mill.

Adult male YH Blackbirds were part of the group.

This one had trouble keeping his balance wobbling side to side probably from over indulging on fermented rice?

These rude YHBL "Mooners" showed they have more yellow than just on their heads. :)

Bronzed Cowbirds with their red eyes were present as well (lower left hand corner).

What's UP???

Immature YH Blackbirds have a special "cute factor".

How about that pony tail? :)

Thanks for looking, :)

All photos taken in SW Louisiana,
Tom