Rainbow Colors
(click on a photo to enlarge)
Birds of all colors of the rainbow and then some have passed through here this month. Spring migration has far exceeded my expectations. Most of the mesquite trees are leafed-out now and there is a fresh, green canopy over the dry golden grasslands. Some have even begun to flower. All of this fresh growth attracts insects and insects attract birds.
Velvet Mesquite flowers (Prosopis velutina)
Bullock’s Orioles peaked at three males on April 28. One posed nicely on the feeder.
Bullock’s Oriole, male (Icterus bullockii)
He wasn’t too happy when a first-year male Scott’s Oriole joined him. There was a short confrontation but neither was intimidated enough by the other’s threat posture to actually leave.
The Scott’s went back to feeding and the Bullock’s was clearly not pleased.
If I make myself look bigger, maybe she’ll leave!
Not many other birds can match the glorious colors of the male Western Tanager. Luckily one decided to make a quick stop at our feeding station on May 5th. Haven’t seen one here since but word has it that they’re migrating through in large numbers just now. Thank you , Mr. Tanager for making my day!
Western Tanager, male (Piranga ludoviciana)
Another “one day wonder” at the feeding station was a timid (never did sum up the courage to drink from the birdbath) Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans). This is a bird commonly found here during nesting season but not usually seen at feeders or birdbaths. However, since May and June are the drought months, anything can and might be lured to water during this time.
Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans)
Black-headed Grosbeaks remain in large numbers (22 yesterday) and at least one male has found himself a nice mesquite from which to advertise for a mate. I hope they’ll stay here to nest.
Black-headed Grosbeak, male (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
On April 26, the Lazuli Bunting flock peaked at 23 birds. Quite a sight in the mesquite branches and at the feeding station.
It’s hard to stop taking picture of such photogenic birds. Here’s one more “portrait” photo of an almost full-breeding plumaged male.
Lazuli Bunting, male (Passerina amoena)
But what’s this cobalt blue bird mingling with the Lazuli Buntings? A lovely male Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)! Seeing this bird brought back memories of the many years I birded on the East Coast and while Indigo Buntings are not uncommon here, they still seem like eastern birds to me. It was also yard bird #75. Hopefully he will spend more than just an afternoon here so I can get some better photos but this is definitely not what he’s ultimately looking for habitat-wise.
Indigo Bunting, male (Passerina cyanea)
I also came across a male Wilson’s Warbler (Yard Bird #74) poking around in a mesquite this morning. This is just a temporary stop for him on his way north. Saw him shortly before the Indigo Bunting appeared.
Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla)
There’s more of course, but I’ll save some for the next post.
May 7th, 2009 at 6:23 am
How lucky you are to have all these brilliant birds come to your feeders. We had a Swainson’s Thrush in the yard (Louisville, KY), but they aren’t actually feeder birds. I have found a pair of Cooper’s Hawks nesting next door though.