Today we feature the bird photos of reader Damon Williford from Texas.
Black-bellied whistling-duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis):
Buff-bellied hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis):
Buff-breasted sandpiper (Calidris subruficollis):
Dickcissel (Spiza americana):
Golden-fronted woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons):
Green jay (Cyanocorax yncas):
Hooded oriole (Icterus cucullatus):
Cute and colorful birds! Awesome!
Oh, my. Beautiful selection of birds, some I’ve never heard of. The golden-fronted woodpecker, the black bellied whistling duck and the green Jay are especially striking.
Pretty fantastic pictures Damon! Are you a pro or a dedicated amateur? All are very nice but I like the last three best.
Amazing pictures…you must have one fine lens.
These are spectacular, Damon! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Black-bellied whistling-duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis):Nope – I don’t believe it. That is a duck that has been painted (or even tie-dyed) by someone who has watched too many cartoons.
if you live on the east coast of the US, global warming is bring this bird to you. Their range in the US used to be pretty much just coastal Texas. They’ve spread around the gulf to Florida, and are marching northward.
It’s a charming bird that likes to assemble in large flocks just after nightfall to defend themselves as they sleep in shifts. Lots of loud squeaking and hooting at night as they forage for a snack before sleeping. About the only duck I ever see that’s active at night.
The expression on the duck’s face seems to suggest it is contemplating its future. “How did I end up here on my career?”
Does the sandpiper look worried to you? It looks worried to me.
Yes, like it’s quickly walking away from something unpleasant. The woodpecker looks curious or just maybe can’t hear what you’re saying to it. 😀
Yeah, he’s “whistlin’ Dixie”. Beautiful boids!!
Lovely pics.
I’m always amazed at the variety of bird photos coming out of Texas. Thanks for these, most of them new to me. I love the downy breast feathers on the Green Jay.
When I saw the Turk’s Cap I knew it was Texas. I love all the photos but especially the duck.
Me, too. Just noticed the pink feet!
The feet are bright orange during breeding season. They fade to pink when the babies grow up.
Seriously, this is the coolest duck ever. Common urban duck in Houston all my life. They are marching inland and northward. They are now in Austin and San Antonio year round when they used to be just visitors. Now they’ve gotten round to Florida and are heading up the east coast.
Anyone who observes plants and animals in the subtropics has to know global warming is real. Why do we now have bananas making real fruit so far inland? Why are whitewing doves so common when they were once rare. Why have I not seen more than a few goldfinches or house finches for 25 years? They used to winter in Houston and New Orleans, now it’s Dallas and Little Rock. And why is the introduced sweetgum tree so popular on Maryland lawns when it is dying out in much of Texas?
Love the way the sandpiper’s striding.