Birds and Nature

Chimney Swifts returning to roost from SeEtta Moss on Vimeo . After finding out about this chimney in Harlingen, TX that hosts several hundred Chimney Swifts I had to go see it. I was not disappointed as I enjoyed watching hundreds of these birds converge near this large chimney, circling and chittering until they dive into the chimney to roost for the night. As they wait until almost dark to go to their roost it is best to watch this in full screen mode (click on 'vimeo' to enlarge). SeEtta

When I found this hawk I had no idea it was a Grey Hawk as this 1st year plumage is so different from adult plumage.As can be seen in the pic above this immature hawk was relaxed when I started photographing as it perched with one leg tucked up. Though I stayed in my car and stayed quiet to avoid disturbing the hawk the mechanical camera noise (all bells turned off) of my Canon 60d dslr camera alerted him and he looked right at me. Bottom pic shows this bird is molting so will be transitioning to adult plumage. SeEtta

Uncommon in the Rio Grande Valley, one or more Indigo Buntings have been seen in Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen for the past month or so. I saw this adult male today as it enjoyed a bath even though it had to share it with a Northern Cardinal. Buff-bellied Hummingbirds such as the one below are fairly common residents in the Rio Grande Valley. An apparent pair of Long-billed Thrashers foraged together. This is one of several Couch's Kingbirds I saw and heard singing in the park. I had to add this bottom pic to show what bright yellow underparts these birds have. SeEtta