We have some photos of birds today from reader Karen Bartelt, taken in Big Bend National Park in south Texas.
Cactus wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus.
Curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curviostre
Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus: would not come out from behind the branches.
Vermillion flycatchers (males and female), Pyrocephalus rubinus: one of the campgrounds was just buzzing with these.
Male:
JAC: Female. The sexual dimorphism in this species is extreme!
Canyon towhee, Melozone fusca.
Beautiful birds and beautiful photography! Thank you, Karen!
The Cactus Wren looks like a real character in that shot. Diana, could you please come up with an appropriate anthropomorphic description for this guy?
The male Vermillion fly-catcher is a real eye-catcher! I’d love to see some in real life. I’d imagine they move too fast to easily follow. Have to “spray and pray” to have a chance at any action shots.
Great batch of pictures Karen. Thanks for sharing.
Vermilion Flycatchers seem almost friendly, in my experience. Out at my friends’ ranch, they’ll often perch on a fencepost or arena rail while you’re riding a horse or working one from the ground. Undoubtedly they’re hanging out to nab the insects that are stirred up and attracted by equine activities, but it looks as if they’re being companionable.
The vermillions were not in posing mood. I probably took 50-70 photos, and 3-4 are OK. Fun to watch, though. I think they know they are pretty.
Fine work, Karen! I particularly like that you got the Pyrrhuloxia, especially since you had to battle the Evil Stick People.
When we go back next year, I’m hoping for a clear shot.
Great pictures. I love Big Bend and have visited twice. I love the male vermilion flycatchers. Stunning red. I want to go back and try again to see the Lucifer’s hummingbirds, that’s one of the few places in the states to see them. It’s about an 18 mile hike round trip, though. I did manage to see Mexican Jays the last time.
Great pix. The cactus wren has one wicked-looking “don’t mess with me” beak.