Clay-colored Sparrow
Had clay colored sparrow and black chin hummer for first time this spring at the dacha. Fos white eyed vireo this week. Still have 4 species of winter sparrows, su skins and spot towhee.

Had clay colored sparrow and black chin hummer for first time this spring at the dacha. Fos white eyed vireo this week. Still have 4 species of winter sparrows, su skins and spot towhee.

Love it when it’s quiet enough to hear the snap of warbler bills. The “snap” may be the warblers popping open elm seeds, as it sounds particularly loud these days. Update: I now believe the snap I hear is the warbler bill coming together on an insect. Not seeds popping. I knew y’all were waiting…
Been hunting for Baird’s Sparrow south of Marfa. Had 8 bogies, but can’t get them to sit up. Here’s the best “view” of a possible I’ve had. The quest continues!!! (Note: there’s no bird in the photo).
Here’s a courtship or territorial display of the Cooper’s Hawk. He climbed higher and higher and spread white feathers at the base of the tail, then very deliberately flapped wings up all the way , then all the way down. Cool sight to see!! LE Woods picnic grounds, Davis Mountains, 3/17/25.
Last one (video) for now.
There’s been several Screech Owls singing on my early morning walks recently and this morning also a Barred Owl.
Here’s a nice one at doe skin ranch at the Balcones NWR (iPhone pix)