Birds and Nature

I am still recovering from the current nasty flu virus so I went to Anzalduas County Park this afternoon to do some light birding (mostly by car, limited forays on foot). Though a post on Texbirds noted a Zone-tailed Hawk was seen there this morning, I did not one--but I ain't going to complain as I have more than my share this trip. I did find the adult male Pine Warbler shown above (strange, it looks like it's legs are grayish and feet yellowish while adults of this species have black/dark legs???). Also found a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, an immature (limited red on head, facial markings not well developed, still has --Basic II plumage). SeEtta Post note 1-25-13: I have been advised that Pine Warblers are known to have yellowish feet in winter with a description of this in the Peterson field guide series book "Warblers."

While birding in the Roselawn Cemetery I found this Pine Warbler, I believe a male, foraging in the same area as the Greater Pewee. SeEtta

Today was the Christmas Bird Count at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge which is located on the border of Mexico. Though small by National Refuge size at about 2,000 acres, approximately 400 bird species have been seen there. Named for the pine trees that are their usual habitat, this bird was foraging in some mixed tree species. This Pine Warbler flitted in mid canopy about 60-80 feet above the ground and I took these pics-habndheld- from a distance of about 50-75 feet. With reduced lighting in the trees, the pics came out fairly dark but not good enough to lighten them more. SeEtta