A Late Spring Mix

The days have been unseasonably hot, even for Central Texas. But somehow, a sprinkler going early in the morning has greatly increased the bird activity in the yard of late. We have seen quite a few 'first timers' recently, and are also enjoying the activity created by young ones chasing their parents around begging food. We offer birds from Midland and Salado, and a rare sighting of a Rosy-crowned Princess Mercedes right on the porch. Enjoy this week's installment.


While visiting son Matthew in Midland for Emma's birthday, I caught this Hooded Oriole hanging around in the back yard. The call was unmistakeable.




Our 'mature adult' church group took our annual retreat to Summer's Mill east of Salado in late May. This Golden-fronted Woodpecker was nesting close to the chapel.




A rare sight at our office, a Scrub Jay. Seems I used to see them more, and they are plentiful at Roadrunner's Roost at Canyon Lake.


Just put out the fruit and nut mix, and you will be sure the Blue Jay will show up soon.


A female Painted Bunting foraging on the ground below my biggest feeder.


A nice Father's Day surprise, two male Painted Buntings are in the neighborhood.




The sprinkler running on the lantana brought this female Western Tanager in for a shower.


I was surprised by this male Western Tanager coming to bathe. Since I had seen my first this spring at Camp Live Oak, when I saw that red and yellow combo, I knew who was visiting.




A Carolina Wren is looking up to see where the water is coming from.


A pair of Bewick's Wrens are nesting now in the church house on the porch.


They have been steadily feeding the young ones, and our concern has been growing because of our latest stray that has adopted us, Wild Child, WC for short.


So we've been planning how we'll isolate when it comes time to launch.


WC has been willingly going in the cage. Next time I hope to show you some baby wren pics.


Meet WC. This is his 'Garfield' look. Pretty disgusted, huh WC?


Another addition to the porch, meet Mirabelle, a two-year old Sharpei/Red Heeler mix. She is smart and fun, and the birds don't mind.


The elusive Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Often heard, but rarely seen.


On this 100-degree day, this Scissor-tailed Flycatcher came in for a breather. I see them on the county road every day, but never in my yard.


Bad WC! He thought he would sneak up on the Green Heron. Silly cat!




We had a Great Blue Heron coming every morning, and I thought this smaller heron was just a young Great Blue. No, this is a Yellow-crowned Night Heron, first time visitor to our pond.






And we finish with the Rosy-crowned Princess Mercedes. Isn't her plumage spectacular?


Melt.