Young Birds Out and About in the Desert

Posted July 21, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you. –John Muir

Fledgling Male Northern Cardinal, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Fledgling Male Northern Cardinal on Juniper,* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. This young bird’s parent called from nearby. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

On a blazingly bright morning this week I took a long, hot walk in the Chihuahuan Desert. Signs of the renewal of life were everywhere. Cactus Wrens gathered nesting materials, Curve-billed Thrashers squabbled over territory, and young birds of several species, under the ever-watchful eyes of parents, explored their newly-discovered world . . . .

Fledgling Verdin, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Fledgling Verdin on Elderberry Branch,* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. A group of three young siblings foraged with a parent nearby. The youngsters moved with a quick confidence and gave no indication of being inexperienced. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Out on the desert flats, the best hope for photographing birds is to keep an eye on agave or yucca bloom stalks or the tops of prickly pear cacti. Photographing here, though, can be a challenge. In addition to cataract-inducing glare, birds can see you coming from a long way off, and they have thousands of square miles of similar habitat to choose from.

On this trip, an adult monitored and fed a pair of young Western Kingbirds. The fledglings exhibited begging behavior as the adult approached. Occasionally, the adult would call out over the desert. Eventually I pushed my luck too far, and the adult flew off. The young birds flowed a minute or so after.

Fledgling Western Kingbird, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Fledgling Western Kingbird on Agave Bloom Stalk,* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

In this same general area, I have seen kingbirds hawking insects in a rather un-flycatcher-like fashion. Rather than grabbing bugs on the wing and returning to a perch to consume them, they swirled and darted in the air while consuming prey, without landing. Beautiful and interesting to observe, but nearly impossible to photograph (at least by me!).

The Monsoon Returns to the Southwest

Posted July 15, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

The North American monsoon, variously known as the Southwest monsoon, the Mexican monsoon, the New Mexican monsoon, or the Arizona monsoon,^[1] is a pattern of pronounced increase in thunderstorms and rainfall over large areas of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, typically occurring between July and mid September. During the monsoon, thunderstorms are fueled by daytime heating and build up during the late afternoon-early evening. –North American Monsoon, Wikipedia

*Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona as the Rains Return*. The monsoon brings a great increase in cloud cover and humidity in the canyon. June mornings are usually brilliant and clear. July mornings are often cloudy. Canon EOS 5DIII/50mm f/1.4. Natural light.

June in Cave Creek Canyon was unusual this year in that it rained heavily several times at low elevation. Since the second week in July, it has rained often: The monsoon is here! The vegetation is beginning to green up, and soon some angiosperm species will begin to flower. Some animals have changed their behavior, too. No longer pressed for places to drink, traffic at our dripper has decreased. Driving the roads at night is thankfully no longer a video-game-like experience of trying to avoid hitting roaming cottontails and jackrabbits on desperate searches for water.

Golden Net-wing(ed Beetles) Lycostomus loripes) on gum bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum_. Cave Creek Canyon Visitor Information Center Nature Trail, Arizona — *Copulating Golden Net-wing Beetles (Lycostomus loripes) on Gum Bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum),* Cave Creek Canyon Visitor Information Center Nature Trail, Arizona. This plant fills the air with insect-attracting perfume. Canon EOS 5DIII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

Velvet mite, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Velvet Mite* (Trombidiidae), Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Sometimes called “rain bugs,” these arachnids emerge from the soil in the millions after a rain. Velvet mite larvae are parasites of a variety of arthropods including spiders and scorpions. Adult velvet mites eat insect eggs. This creature is around one-eighth inch long. Canon EOS 5DIII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

I confess to sometimes being at a loss as how to proceed with nature photography in Cave Creek Canyon. It is such a rich environment (and getting richer every day with the rains) that it is a challenge to decide which equipment to bring out on a hike or birding trip. Most of the canyon hikes I have been on (especially the ones with the local hiking club) have been too arduous to bring the big glass (600mm f/4L). Sometimes when I bring the big glass, I regret not having the macro.

A few times I have attempted to bring both the big glass and the macro set-up (100mm f/2.8L Macro plus macro ring-flash) and have been rewarded with complete exhaustion. Often, I have hiked with binoculars only with that idea that if we find interesting plants or insects or an area rich in birds I would return with appropriate additional optics. A few times, I have brought the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L as a compromise. In those cases, there has generally been an interesting bird just out of range for such a middle-of-the-road lens!

Javalina, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Portrait: Javalina or Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu),* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Peccaries constitute the Family Tayassuidae, the New World Pigs. This youngster smells tasty sunflower seeds. To my knowledge, no javalinas have visited our dripper since the monsoon began. Canon EOS 5DIII/100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS. Natural light.

White-nosed coati, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Large Male White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica),* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. This big fellow is around four feet long. Since the rains have returned, the coatis have not been coming to our dripper, either. Canon EOS 5DIII/100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS. Natural light.

Only additional experience, I suspect, will allow me to know how to proceed most effectively. In only a few weeks here, I have seen a number of tough-to-see bird species including Elegant Trogon, Plumbeous Vireo, and Thick-billed Kingbird–but haven’t gotten the big glass on them, yet. Time and continued effort should remedy this situation (I hope!).

Broad-billed Hummingbird, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Broad-billed Hummingbird,* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Broad-billed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds seem to be the most common hummers early in summer. These birds sparkle like gems in the sunlight. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Flesh fly, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Not All the Denizens of Cave Creek Canyon are Pretty: Flesh Fly (Sarcophagidae),* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Another visitor to the Trumpet Vine World. Canon EOS 7DII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

Visual Impact: Build Your Own Feeders

Posted July 7, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

I can’t even say the word “titmouse” without giggling like a schoolgirl ee hee! Ee hee hee hee hee hee!–Homer Simpson

Juniper Titmouse, Portal, Arizona — *Juniper Titmouse,* Portal, Arizona. The rotted-out cavities in this Arizona sycamore log have been filled with black oil sunflower seeds and suet. Juniper Titmice are among the quickest birds I have ever photographed. They make warblers look like slow-pokes! Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Nothing messes up a bird photo more thoroughly than a feeder being present in the shot. A fairly straightforward solution to this problem is to build your own feeders out of attractive pieces of found wood.

Bridled Titmouse, Portal, Arizona — *Bridled Titmouse,* Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

As I’ve been clearing brush, I’ve made a point of setting aside particularly nice pieces of deadfall, mostly Arizona sycamore logs. Knots, rotted out cavities, woodpecker holes and granaries all make for visual interest.

White-breasted Nuthatch, Portal, Arizona — *White-breasted Nuthatch,* Portal, Arizona. Note that this Arizona sycamore log has been attacked by Acorn Woodpeckers for use as a granary as well as a nest cavity. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

The biggest problem with bird feeders still remains: mammalian pests. The feeders I have built with found wood are set up on 3 5/8” bird feeder posts. One anti-squirrel/raccoon baffle I have foils chipmunks and coatis. I watched a coati (from no more than ten feet away!) tear down a feeder I had just built on a post without a baffle. Can’t skimp on baffles: any but the expensive metal kind will be torn up in a heart-beat out here in the Arizona sticks!

*What, these seeds aren’t free?* Male Northern Cardinal, Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Elderberries are for the Birds!

Posted June 30, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit. –Anton Chekhov

Female Phainpepla wiht elderberry, Portal, Arizona — *Female Phainopepla with Elderberry,* Portal, Arizona. Phainopeplas sit in place and graze on berries. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Male Phainopepla on Elderberry branch, Portal, Arizona — *Male Phainopepla on Elderberry Branch,* Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

A group of four bushy elderberry trees (Sambucus sp.) are currently in fruit a short walking distance from our Canyon House. A small flock of Phainopeplas are in residence around the bushes, and presumably will stay until all the fruit is consumed.

Ash-throated Flycatchers are the next most abundant birds that are gobbling up the fruit. Rather than hang around there, though, small groups come and go. At least three other species of tyrant flycatchers are eating the fruit: Western Wood-Pewees, Western Kingbirds and a Thick-billed Kingbird. I got the binoculars on the Wood-Pewees and the Thick-billed Kingbird a few times, but have yet to get photos. I’ll keep trying.

Ash-throated Flycatcher, Portal, Arizona — *Ash-throated Flycatcher on Elderberry Branch,* Portal, Arizona. Flycatchers buzz the elderberry bushes and pluck berries on the wing! Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Western Kingbird, Portal, Arizona — *Western Kingbird,* Portal, Arizona. A telephone line runs over the elderberry bushes, and many of the birds perch to make sure the coast is clear before descending into the berry patch. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Other species of fruit-loving birds are also present in smaller numbers in the cluster of trees. These include Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bendire’s Thrashers, Curve-billed Thrashers, White-winged Doves, House Finches, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Western Tanagers, Northern Mockingbirds, Northern Cardinals, and a small drab vireo. I think I also spotted a Lesser Goldfinch plucking fruit, but I can’t be sure. A Canyon Towhee was also hanging around once, but I didn’t see it eat any berries–it’s presence may have been incidental, being a common bird in the desert at this elevation (around 5000 feet).

Black-headed Grosbeak, Portal, Arizona — *Male Black-headed Grosbeak on Elderberry,* Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Bendire's Thrasher, Portal, Arizona — *Bendire’s Thrasher,* Portal, Arizona. The telephone pole stands adjacent to the elderberries. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

House finch eating elderberries, Portal, Arizona — *Female House Finch Eating Elderberries,* Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

The desert is a marvelous place, but resources come and go, and nothing is certain. Rains may bring creeks to life and form puddles–but they soon dry up again. Flowers and fruit come and go, and the life of the desert must be ever vigilant in finding food and water and moving on to the next opportunity . . . But one thing is clear: We’ll be planting elderberries on our land!

Northern Mockingbird on Elderberry, Portal, Arizona — *Northern Mockingbird on Elderberry,* Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Those Infernal Mammals!

Posted June 21, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

What we call progress is the exchange of one nuisance for another nuisance.–Havelock Ellis

White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica), Portal Arizona — *White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica),* Portal, Arizona. This large male came to our dripper around 3 PM, during the heat of the day. Coatis often forage on the ground but are comfortable in trees, too. Canon EOS 5DIII/100-400mm f/4L IS. Hand-held. Natural light.

No matter where the birder-photographer finds him/herself, there are challenges. Hey, if it was easy, then everyone would do it, right?

After clearing lots of brush and scrutinizing the landscape, I am to the point now of putting out some seed and suet to see who will show up for a photo-op. Back in Houston, the biggest problem with bird feeders was mammals: fox and gray squirrels plus roof rats. Looks like the biggest problem with feeders in Portal is also going to be mammals: coatis and cliff chipmunks (and likely Coues deer, too–a small herd shows up several times a day to drink from our dripper).

White-nosed coatis are members of the raccoon family (Procyonidae). They range from southeast Arizona/southwest New Mexico to northern Columbia. They are diurnal and omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods–but boy do they love black oil sunflower seeds and suet! These critters have little fear of humans and will eat you out of house and home! Cliff chipmunks are also Johnny-on-the-spot wherever, whenever food is available. You have to be on your guard to keep doors and windows closed, or unwelcome cliff chipmunks will invite themselves in!

Least Chipmunk, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Cliff Chipmunk (Eutamias dorsalis),* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. These rodents often first to find a new food source. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Of course, some mammals are always welcome, namely wild cats. We’ve seen two bobcats at the dripper: a gorgeous adult and a sub-adult with some remaining spotting (of course, a camera was nowhere to be found). Jaguarundis have been reported from our property (but never photographed in the entire state of Arizona), and several years ago a mountain lion spent some time lounging on our patio! It’s just a matter of time before we see some of these rarer or more secretive critters–although it may take a trail cam to capture images.

Black bears also live in the canyon, and have damaged some of our female juniper trees. They like to climb up and eat the berries, and in so doing they break off branches which dangle and turn brown. Bears can stay away as far as I’m concerned . . . .

Once the birds start to show up, the Mexican Jays are always first in the chow-line. There are lots of Titmice, Juniper and Bridled, as well as Black-headed and Blue Grosbeak, Towhees, woodpeckers, and many, many others around, too. Can’t wait to get the bit glass on them!

Mexican Jay, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *A Suspicious Mexican Jay,* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Mexican Jays are ever watchful for food, and usually among the first in line to eat. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

The Rains Return to the Desert (Sort of)

Posted June 17, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

The rain begins with a single drop. –Manal al-Sharif

Drinking Male Gambel's Quail, Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas — *Drinking Male Gambel’s Quail,* Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas. A drop of precious water runs down this bird’s chin. We recently spotted this fellow just outside El Paso on the way to Arizona. A significant rainstorm hit the evening this photo was taken. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Young Curve-billed Thrasher, Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas — *Find the Water, Find the Birds: Young Curve-billed Thrasher,* Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

I haven’t been spending much time directly behind a super-telephoto lately, but indirectly I have. During the past few weeks, I’ve been clearing brush and selecting sites for photography blinds and set-ups. It is a daunting task that has just begun, but I’ve decided to enjoy the process as much as (hopefully) the result.

We have adopted the firesafe methodology and are clearing dead brush and low limbs near the house. But I have decided to leave a few dead trees here and there adjacent to blind areas for perches. No natural forest is ever going to be completely free of dead vegetation, and its presence is part of the overall aesthetic. Dead vegetation also provides valuable habitat for wildlife.

Apache plume with butterfly, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) with Marine Blue Butterfly (Leptotes marina),* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Wherever there are flowers in the lower canyon, these small butterflies are present. Canon EOS 5DIII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

We have also begun to identify trees and other plants with the help of some local experts and references. Desert mountain canyons are home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. After several previous visits to the Cave Creek Canyon area, and the desert Southwest in general, I find myself being able to identify most of the birds at a glance. No so most of the plants–or the reptiles for that matter (herpetology was many moons ago). At present very few plants are in flower, though, making identification relatively easy.

The remnants of Hurricane Bud brought much needed moisture to the drought-stricken desert Southwest. And a day later there are still a few puddles around Cave Creek, but they will soon be dry, and we will begin again our wait for the true beginning of the monsoon–and the true beginning of our difficulties identifying a bewildering multitude of flowering plants!

Desert honeysuckle, Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona — *Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi),* Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. The instant I saw this flower, I thought: *That has got to be a honeysuckle.* Sure enough. Canon EOS 5DIII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

The World of a Trumpet Vine

Posted June 8, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

Our world is made up of a myriad of microcosms, of tiny worlds, each with its own habitués, every one known to the others.–Louis L’Amour, Education of a Wandering Man

*Marine Blue Butterfly (Leptotes marina) on Trumpet Vine Flower,* Portal, Arizona. Canon 7DII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

The last several weeks have found us swamped with work and moving (again!). A thousand-mile move finds us in Portal, Arizona for most of the summer. June is by local standards the “worst” month to be out here, but by Houston standards it is quite pleasant. The days have been hot and dry (around 90° F) with nights in the 60º’s F (although 50º’s are more typical historically). Strangely, over the past few days a monsoon-like pattern has developed with brief showers in the afternoon. The real monsoon should appear next month, when the “best” time of the year begins complete with the blooming of the desert.

Honey Bee on Trumpet Vine Flower, Portal, Arizona — *Honey Bee on Trumpet Vine Flower,* Portal, Arizona. Many of the Hymenoptera of the Trumpet Vine World were not about to wait for flowers to open: This bee is chewing its way in! Some birds, notably orioles, are also known to pierce flowers to reach the nectar. Canon EOS 7DII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

While unpacking and working on the house, I wanted an “easy” photography project to unwind, and much to my delight the mystery vine that is threaded through the patio and onto an arbor has turned out to be a trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) literally crawling with a host of insect species, including ants, flies, bugs (Homoptera), bees and wasps, and butterflies. As a bonus, while watering the vine yesterday a huge tarantula hawk (Pompilidae) appeared to drink from a splash on the patio. Many of these denizens of the Trumpet Vine World were large enough to photograph with a standard macro lens. It will be quite the task to identify the arthropodan menagerie of this mini-world–but I’ll put it on the list of Arizona projects!

This vine is also serving as a food plant for hummingbirds–nectar and associated insects. In the past two days, we have observed three hummingbird species drinking from the flowers: Blue-throated, Black-chinned, and Broad-billed. Likely there are also Magnificent Hummingbirds around, but we haven’t spotted any, yet. We’re not quite ready to start going after the birds seriously, at least for now. According to a neighbor, because of all the feeders, Magnificent and Blue-throated hummingbirds are now year-round residents in Cave Creek Canyon.

Finally, trumpet vine has a bad reputation among gardeners because of its aggressive and invasive nature. It is native to the eastern United States and naturalized in parts of the West. I personally love flowering vines, and once we are installed here permanently, I can foresee a diversity of native vines to feed our resident and itinerant hummingbirds–and the vast and largely unnoticed arthropod community.

*Ant on Trumpet Vine Flower,* Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/100mm f/2.8L IS Macro. Trumpet vines provide extra-floral nectaries at the base of each flower utilized by ants and other arthropods. High-speed synchronized macro ring-flash.

When you have seen one ant, one bird, one tree, you have not seen them all. –E. O. Wilson

Glorious Cardinalids

Posted May 20, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

O, thou art fairer than the evening air clad in the beauty of a thousand stars.–Christopher Marlowe

Pyrrhuloxia on Prickly Pear, Chihuahuan Desert, near Portal, Arizona — *Female Pyrrhuloxia on Prickly Pear,* Chihuahuan Desert, near Portal, Arizona. Canon EOS 7DII/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Birds of the Family Cardinalidae are some of the most striking songbirds of North America, especially the males. These are the Pyrrhuloxia, Dickcissel, Northern Cardinal, the grosbeaks (except the Evening Grosbeak which is a finch), and the buntings. All these birds have heavy seed-cracking beaks, the most extreme example being in the Pyrrhuloxia.

Portrait: Male Northern Cardinal, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Houston, Texas — *Portrait: Male Northern Cardinal,* Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Houston, Texas. The Northern Cardinal, or the Cardinal Grosbeak as Audubon referred to these birds, seems at home with Man and is weathering the current apocalyptic decline in songbird numbers well. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). High-speed synchronized fill-flash.

Although seeds form an important part of the diet of all cardinalids, most species also consume arthropods and fruit, and sometimes leaf buds. Often they vary their diets seasonally, with seeds forming the bulk of the diet in winter and arthropods and fruit when available. It is likely this generalist approach to feeding that has contributed to the success of the group as a whole, but not all species are doing well.

Portrait: Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Lafitte's Cove, Galveston Island, Texas — *Portrait: Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak,* Lafitte’s Cove, Galveston Island, Texas. The red flecks are mulberry juice. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). High-speed synchronized fill-flash.

Both the sparrow-like Dickcissel and the Blue Grosbeak are declining in numbers, although ironically, the latter has recently expanded its range northward in the Great Plains. But in general, relative to other songbird groups, these tough little birds are mostly holding their own.

Portrait: Male Blue Grosbeak, Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas — *Portrait: Male Blue Grosbeak,* Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas. This bird was foraging on the ground for seeds. The Blue Grosbeak is declining in numbers and is in the process of becoming a rare bird. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

female, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming — *A Male Black-headed Grosbeak Displays for a Female,* Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The female sat mesmerized a few branches away. Canon EOS 7D/500mm f/4L IS (1.4x TC). Natural light.

Essentially, Two Shutterbirds is a family project to get to know the birds of the world. And we have had no greater birding pleasure than acquainting ourselves with the cardinalids . . . .

Female Painted Bunting, Elm Lake, Brazos Bend State Park, Texas — *Female Painted Bunting,* Elm Lake, Brazos Bend State Park, Texas. Female and young male Painted Buntings are unusual for North American birds in being green. I played hide-and-seek for this bird for quite a while until she poked her head out from among grass seed heads–from which she was feeding. This bird’s showy mate was also feeding among the grasses. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Those Fiery Rufous Hummingbirds

Posted May 9, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.–Benjamin Disraeli

Female? Rufous Hummingbird, Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas — *Female(?) Rufous Hummingbird,* Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas. Canon EOS 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). High-speed synchronized fill-flash.

If Disraeli was correct, then Rufous Hummingbirds are both fire and smoke.

I recently took the time to peruse our collection of images of hummingbirds from the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park in West Texas. Specifically, I was looking for evidence of the presence of Allen’s Hummingbirds, those little flying gems that are often indistinguishable from Rufous Hummingbirds. One of our field guides shows the migratory range of the Allen’s Hummingbird just barely touching the western extremity of Texas. Maybe . . . . But alas, no Allen’ Hummingbirds were in evidence.

Rufous Hummingbird, Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas — *Young Male(?) Rufous Hummingbird,* Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas. Canon EOS 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). High-speed synchronized fill-flash.

But Rufous Hummingbirds are common in this desert park. One of the most aggressive of all hummingbirds, the males are known for their spectacular aerial fights–and their ruthless defense of nectar resources. Immatures are often frustratingly difficult to distinguish from females. But young and old, male and female perch, bold as brass, on the yuccas, agaves, desert willows, and ocotillos of the Franklin Mountains.

Counting the days until we can return . . . .

Male Rufous Hummingbird, Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas — *Male Rufous Hummingbird,* Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas. Canon EOS 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Reminder: A Two Shutterbirds Talk (May 2)

Posted April 28, 2018 by Two Shutterbirds

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. –Marcel Proust

A Calliope Hummingbird Sticks out his Tongue, Franklin Mountains State park, West Texas. Canon EOS 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light. — *A Male Calliope Hummingbird Sticks Out His Tongue,* Franklin Mountains State Park, West Texas. The Franklins have become a frequent stopping point on the long road trip to Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. Canon EOS 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Don’t forget to join us for . . . .

Topic: Birding Cave Creek Canyon (and Other Adventures), Arizona and West Texas

Time/date: 7 pm/May 2, 2018

Place: Houston Audubon’s Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, 440 Wilchester Blvd, Houston, TX 77079

Synopsis: Cave Creek Canyon (CCC) in the Chiricahuas of southeast Arizona is one of the great birding destinations of the United States. Especially known for a diversity and abundance of hummingbirds, CCC is an important migratory route for Neotropical migrant songbirds entering the West and contains birds and other biota from the surrounding deserts, grasslands, and Madrean Highlands (Sky Islands). Since they first visited CCC about five years ago, Chris and Elisa have been drawing up plans to visit as often as possible and ultimately wish to retire to this area. Although they have much yet to learn, join this husband/wife photo-birding team at they relate some of their first avian encounters in this incredible area. We will also discuss the Franklin Mountains of West Texas, a frequent stopover site on the way to CCC with excellent photobirding and a similar avifauna.

Galveston Birding Blues

Posted April 15, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

Man begets, but land does not beget.–Cecil Rhodes

Gray Catbird, Lafitte's Cove, Galveston Island, Texas — *Messy Eater: Gray Catbird on Mulberry Tree,* Lafitte’s Cove, Galveston Island, Texas. This bird is smeared with mulberry juice–and also appears to have infected feet (bumblefoot?). Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

The recent major cold front has certainly brought some fantastic weather to the Texas Gulf Coast. And this weekend we hoped to make the most of it. Fully expecting to see a fallout, or the aftermath of one, we headed to Galveston. First stop on Saturday afternoon was Lafitte’s Cove. There were fewer birds than usual for a day in mid-April, and more people than birds.

I saw only a Scarlet Tanager, a Blue-winged Warbler, a Merlin, a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, an Ovenbird, some Brown Thrashers (residents), assorted ducks and shorebirds, and a few Gray Catbirds. The Gray Catbirds (along with the Scarlet Tanager) were eating from the mulberry trees near the gazebo. A greedy Northern Mockingbird was guarding the trees and ran off the other songbirds again and again.

Banded Piping Plover, East Beach, Galveston Island, Texas — *86A: Banded Piping Plover,* East Beach, Galveston Island, Texas. Being threatened or endangered wherever they occur, Piping Plovers are the focus of much concern and study. Based on census data, it’s clear ornithologists have not yet identified all Piping Plover breeding grounds. This bird has been banded five times. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

East Beach was glorious on Saturday evening (and Sunday morning), as it usually is after cold fronts. There were large flocks of gulls, Dowitchers, terns, Brown Pelicans, Black Skimmers, and a few scattered waders. Most interesting to me were the small shorebirds. Sanderlings, Least Sandpipers, and Semipalmated Plovers were everywhere.

One Piping Plover was trying to pass unnoticed among the smallest shorebirds. This bird was sporting no less than five bands of assorted colors. Clearly an object of devotion, this creature is likely a member of a dying breed. Threatened everywhere it occurs, the Piping Plover numbers in less than five figures. In contrast, the nearly identical-looking (and just as darling) Semipalmated Plover is one of the most common shorebirds in the world.

Semi-palmated Plover, East Beach, Galveston Island, Texas — *Semipalmated Plover,* East Beach, Galveston Island, Texas. Because of their abundance, Semipalmated Plovers don’t attract much notice. *Look Mom, no bands!* Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Finally, the contrast between East Beach and Lafitte’s Cove was stark. East Beach was nearly abandoned and a perfectly lovely place to bird. Lafitte’s Cove was jammed cheek to jowl with tourists yakking it up in the “quiet zones.” The time has likely come to bid Lafitte’s Cove a fond adieu . . . .

Sanderling with fish carcass, East Beach, Galveston Island, Texas — *Scavenging Peep: Sanderling (Non-breeding) with Fish Carcass,* East Beach, Galveston Island, Texas. This bird ran past the carcass, each time tearing off a tiny chunk of flesh. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC) on ground pod. Natural light.

On the Birding Road Again . . . .

Posted April 1, 2018 by Chris Cunningham

For I must tell you that we artists cannot tread the path of Beauty without Eros keeping company with us and appointing himself as our guide. –Thomas Mann

Great Egret in Full Breeding Glory, Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas — *Great Egret in Full Breeding Glory,* Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas. This bird cycled through a rhythmic display of raising and lowering its head while bristling breeding plumes. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

A rarity occurred this week: A passing spring cold front with beautiful weather behind coincided with a three-day weekend. We hit the road! The Smith Oaks Rookery is an afternoon photography site so we generally depart Houston mid-day and stay in Winnie the first evening for such getaways. The golden hour hits just as the shadow of the trees to the west of the rookery envelope the spoils-pile island–so the best shooting is at about 6:15 pm.

On this trip, we saw a number of new things. Roseate Spoonbills were bathing en mass at times, and every so often alligators would breach like bolts of lightning and attempt to grab birds from the shore. Strangely, when this occurred, the flocks of Roseate Spoonbills would walk towards the disturbance. Perhaps they were trying to give the predator sensory overload so it couldn’t decide which way to strike.

Bathing Roseate Spoonbill, Smith Oaks Rooker, High Island, Texas — *Gotta Look Your Best for Mating Season: Bathing Roseate Spoonbill,* Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Two Heads are Better than One for the Contemplation of a Stick, Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas — *Two Heads are Better than One for the Contemplation of a Stick,* Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas. The stick at their feet was presented for nest construction, from one bird to the other. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.

Quite a bit of plant material was being collected and presented to mates by Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Neotropic Cormorants. Eggs and chicks were present in Great Egret nests. We saw only eggs in Snowy Egret nests, and Roseate Spoonbills have not finished their nest-building, yet. Many cormorants were building or stuck like glue on their nests, so eggs, but no nestlings, are present in some nests.

On the way back we took our normal route: down Bolivar, stopping at Frenchtown Road, crossing the ferry to Galveston, and then stopping at Lafitte’s Cove. Not much was going on at either other place, though. Dowitchers have overrun Frenchtown road, and the Clapper Rails were chattering up a storm. There were more humans than birds at Lafitte’s Cove. One exhausted Blue-winged Warbler was flopping around in the thicket for a while but still managed the give the flock of photographers the slip.

Soon the songbirds will be arriving in the millions, and won’t be able to escape unphotographed . . . .

Neotropic Cormorant Leaf Presentation, Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas — *Neotropic Cormorant Leaf Presentation,* Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas. Canon EOS 7DII/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC).

Two Shutterbirds

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