World birds
Birds I've documented from my birding outings. Click on any region or bird below to view its page.
- North America
- American Kestrel
- Barred Owl
- Belted Kingfisher
- Black-and-White Warbler
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
- Brown Pelican
- Carolina Chickadee
- Carolina Wren
- Cedar Waxwing
- Common Gallinule
- Common Nighthawk
- Cooper's Hawk
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Golden-fronted Woodpecker
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Egret
- Great Kiskadee
- House Sparrow
- Lark Sparrow
- Laughing Gull
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Lincoln's Sparrow
- Loggerhead Shrike
- Morelet's Seedeater
- Mourning Dove
- Northern Cardinal
- Northern Mockingbird
- Painted Bunting
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Summer Tanager
- White-crowned Sparrow
- White-eyed Vireo
- Yellow Warbler
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Eurasia
North America
Birds from North America with pictures, recordings, and other observations.
American Kestrel
| An American Kestrel perched on its favorite wire | 10/02/2021 |
Description
The American Kestrel is the Americas' smallest falcon. It’s around the size of a Rock Dove (pigeon) and has similar markings on its face as the Peregrine Falcon. I see it most often at the park perched on power lines white it surveys the field. It does this cool maneuver where it flaps fast and hovers in the air while it looks for a meal.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 12/01/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - When I lived in California, I only saw this bird occasionally. While I was in Huntington Beach, I remember a Kestrel fluttering around a park field. It was perching on various power poles and would flutter in the air and zip around. I stalked it around the field watching it with my binoculars.
Nowadays, here in Texas, we see them all the time. I almost always spot them on power lines at Pearsall Park. Most aren’t skittish and will let me walk underneath them while they stay perched on the lines.
Captured media
Photographs
| An American Kestrel hovering in mid-air looking for a snack | 10/16/2021 |
| A poofed-up Kestrel trying to stay warm | 10/16/2021 |
| The American Kestrel looks off into the distance | 10/02/2021 |
Audio recordings
- Coming soon
From my blogs
- Los Angeles Bird Fest 2015 Attracts Bird Lovers from All Over
- Migratory Bird Fest 2022 at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
- Birding at twilight
Barred Owl
Description
The Barred Owl is a medium-brown owl with dark barring on its frontside and flecks of white on its back. Its face is framed by a darker brown on the sides.
Experiences & anecdotes
5/21/22 - I was treated with a sighting of the Barred Owl on my first time leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park for the Bexar Audubon Society. It flew down from the canopy and landed on a branch to watch us curiously. Prior to that, I had seen an owl in that same area of the park, so it’s a good assumption it might be the same one.
The first time I spotted a barred owl, it was late at night. I was outside in Southtown, downtown San Antonio, Texas and was walking down the street. An owl-shaped shadow flew down from above and landed in a tree across the street. Though poor lighting it was enough to see the barred streaking on its chest and make an ID.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 02/02/2018 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Captured media
Photographs
| The first photograph I’ve ever taken of a Barred Owl | Pearsall Park, San Antonio, TX | 09/06/2021 |
| This happy-looking Barred Owl is a common visitor to the bird blind at Crescent Bend Nature Park in Schertz, Texas | 07/30/2022 |
| This is the owl we found on the first bird walk I led for the Bexar Audubon | 05/21/2022 |
Audio recordings
- ML557917771- 0:35
- The first time I ever saw a Barred Owl was in the Southtown area of downtown San Antonio. Fittingly enough, a few years later, I hear my first owl hooting on the edge of a field.
- The first time I ever saw a Barred Owl was in the Southtown area of downtown San Antonio. Fittingly enough, a few years later, I hear my first owl hooting on the edge of a field.
From my blogs
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Los Angeles Bird Fest 2015 Attracts Bird Lovers from All Over
Belted Kingfisher
| Female Belted Kingfisher surveying the waters for a meal. |
Description
The Belted Kingfisher is special. It is one of the few birds where the female is more colorful than the male. In the case of the Belted Kingfisher, the females have a rust-colored belly band that the males do not possess. These birds are adapted to dive headfirst into the water, grab a fish, and have enough thrust to launch themselves out of the water and continue to fly.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
11/10/2013 |
| 📍 |
Bolsa Chica, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/15/2022 - One of my earliest birding core memories is being at Ballona Creek birding with the Audubon and my brother when someone spotted a Belted Kingfisher. They put a spotting scope on it and we all got a chance to get a great look at it. My brother took a really nice photo of it through the scope with his phone. I’m trying to track down this photo from 2013.
Recently on a trip to Denver, Colorado, I visited Rocky Mountain Arsenal National WIldlife Refuge. While I was there, I ran into a group of women who were there birding too. They tipped me off to a nearby Belted Kingfisher that was flying around. I walked in that direction and got lucky to spot it and capture a few photos.
1/14/2023 - On a recent trip to South Padre Island, we visited the Birding and Nature Center several times. Each time we visited we saw a Belted Kingfisher. Our final visit was on a windy morning and through the noise, my Merlin app picked up the calls of the kingfisher. We spotted it in a distant tree across the water (see featured photo above).
Captured media
Photographs
| A Belted Kingfisher perches on a branch while looking for fish. I think this one may be female because of the rust-colored feathers near its wings. |
| This Belted Kingfisher in Colorado flies around the river | 10/23/2022 |
| A good view of the upper wing | 10/23/2022 |
Audio recordings
- ML519464621- 0:23
- Listen to two calls of the Belted Kingfisher punctuated by the Northern Cardinal
- ML519464611- 0:21
- These three calls of the Belted Kingfisher are accompanied by an American Robin and Northern Cardinal.
From my blogs
- A visit to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
- Birding at Medina River in San Antonio
- Birding at Brackenridge Park – Avenue A
Black-and-White Warbler
| A lucky first photo of the Black-and-White Warbler in a tree on Long Island, New York | 08/16/2014 |
Description
This cute warbler has black and white streaking on it and a lighter-colored underside. It has a pretty song if you get the chance to hear it.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 08/16/2014 |
| 📍 | Long Island, New York |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2022 - On my first trip to New York in 2014, we stayed with a friend's family on Long Island. They fed birds and I remember all of the Goldfinches they had at their feeders. While spending some time in their backyard, I noticed a Black-and-White Warbler up in one of the trees. I had my camera on hand and was able to capture an excellent photo of it.
Captured media
Photographs
| This warbler was climbing all over the trunk of this tree | 10/16/2021 |
Audio recordings
- ML559043711 - 0:23
- The fun song of the Black-and-White Warbler
- ML552499721 - 0:19
- Another recording of this warbler's song
From my blogs
- How to Make Your First Bird Walk a Success
- A Lunchtime Birding Trip around Denman Park
- Birding with Bexar Audubon at Walker Ranch Park
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
| A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher begs for the food its parent is holding | 07/16/2022 |
Description
A small blueish-gray bird with a white eye ring. This bird loves to hide within the trees and is more often heard than seen, in my experience.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 09/04/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - I had a really special experience with this bird a few months ago. I was at Medina River Natural Area deep in the forest when I heard the calls of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Standing still for about five minutes, I watched as a gnatcatcher in the nearby tree jumped around and sang. In the audio clip below, if you listen closely, you can hear the flutter of the bird's wings as it navigates the branches.
Captured media
Photographs
| My first photo of this elusive bird. It was easy to spot this time as the tree had no leaves. | 08/15/2021 |
Audio recordings
- ML526943321 - 0:20
- Listen to the complicated song of this small bird. The sound is pretty erratic. There may be a hint of calling in this clip. Notice the soft sound of wings fluttering.
From my blogs
Brown Pelican
Description
The Brown Pelican is found in mainly coastal areas. During breeding season the skin on its throat turns a vibrant red color.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
07/21/2013 |
| 📍 |
Play del Rey, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
07/3/22 - My first memorable experience with Brown Pelicans come from the Christmas Bird Count where we counted Brown Pelicans. We went to Playa del Rey, CA to count the pelicans which were mostly out sitting on a jetty.
For a few months I volunteered at International Bird Rescue for a few months where I helped care for and occasionally release aquatic birds back into the wild. One part of this role was to go into the large pelican enclosure with a big net and run around scaring and bothering them. This helped prevent the birds from becoming habituated. There were all sorts of techniques used for different birds to ensure they didn’t get too used to humans caring for them.
01/12/23 - On a recent trip to South Padre Island, Texas, there were many Brown Pelicans all over the island. We visited the Birding and Nature Center and enjoyed watching the pelicans glide just above the water’s surface.
Captured media
Photographs
| A Brown Pelican dives for a fish in the Corpus Christi marina | 08/06/22 |
| A Brown Pelican floating in the water | 11/10/13 |
| This Brown Pelican flys toward the marina in breeding plumage. |
Audio recordings
- Coming soon
From my blogs
- Counting Brown Pelicans with California Audubon
- A rare visitor at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
- Birds you’ll see birding in the Corpus Christi marina
Carolina Chickadee
| A Carolina Chickadee on a photo perch | 07/24/2022 |
Description
The Carolina Chickee is a cute, small bird with a short, stout beak. It has white cheeks, a black crown, and a black throat.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 08/05/2014 |
| 📍 | Long Island, New York |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - My first exposure to this bird came when I visited New York in 2014. My friend's parents live on Long Island and we saw these birds in their backyard. Now that I live in Texas, I see them almost every time I go birding.
I usually see these birds in groups up in tree canopies. They love to sing and offer many great opportunities to record them.
Captured media
Photographs
| A Carolina Chickadee seen from below. This is how you often spot them | 03/13/2022 |
| This chickadee clings to a long twig as it watches the garden | 08/15/2014 |
| Another Carolina Chickadee resting on a log | 08/15/2014 |
Audio recordings
- ML519464421 - 01:12
- This is the trademark song of the Carolina Chickadee. Four or five whistles of different pitches.
- ML517462441 - 0:34
- This is a much more complex version of their song and call. It's very erratic and much faster than the lazy song in the clip above.
- ML519464401 - 0:21
- Another version of the Carolina Chickadee's song.
- ML519464411 - 0:31
- Listen to the calls of the Carolina Chickadee. There are some quiet calls of a Northern Cardinal in the background.
From my blogs
- Quick guide: How to edit bird song recordings
- Birding at Medina River in San Antonio
- Birding at Crescent Bend Nature Park
- Visualize bird songs with spectrograms
Carolina Wren
| A profile of the cute Carolina Wren. |
Description
The Carolina Wren is dark reddish-brown on its upper half and buffy-colored on its lower. Most notably, it sports an iconic white eyebrow. I see it often jumping around in downed trees and bushes and occasionally clinging to trees.
It finds the perfect spot and lets out the loudest song in the forest.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
02/04/2018 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
5/21/22 - The Carolina Wren has become a frequent presence on my bird walks around town. This songstress of the forest loves to sing loudly over other nearby birds. The up-and-down of its melodic song is bouncy and omnipresent.
I remember getting my first good look at this bird and its white eyebrow when I lived in an apartment across town. It was perched on the railing of the dog park singing its heart out.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Carolina Wren is perched giving a good view of its buffy-colored underside. |
| Singing what I feel is the loudest song in the forest. |
Audio recordings
- ML214890591- 0:41
- Listen to the bouncy song of the Carolina Wren. Its loud song seems to permeate the forest and sound omnipresent. Some days it is a non-stop ambient song in all of my recordings.
- ML358629911 - 0:53
- This recording includes both the song and call. Listen and watch for the trill.
- ML359552131 - 0:43
- Another type of Carolina Wren call. This call is two sharp overslurs.
From my blogs
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Birding in Boerne
- Practicing as a birding guide at Pearsall Park
Cedar Waxwing
| A Cedar Waxwing perched on a branch | 04/17/2019 |
Description
The Cedar Waxwing is a very sleek-looking, tan-colored bird with a black Zorro mask. Its tail is tipped in yellow and it has a bright red spot on its side, which is where it gets its name. It looks like a dot of red wax.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 12/21/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - I love these birds. Cedar Waxwings are known for their love of fruiting trees. They'll grab berries off the tree and toss them in the air and swallow them. They are also known to eat fermented berries and get intoxicated to the point of passing out. Last December I went on a bird walk with Bexar Audubon and there was a group of Cedar Waxwings in a tree. I was able to stand directly below them and aim my microphone skyward and captured a fantastic recording of them.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Cedar Waxwing shows off its wax-colored namesake | 04/07/2019 |
| The tail feathers of the Cedar Waxwing look dipped in yellow | 04/07/2019 |
| One stoic-looking bird | 04/07/2019 |
Audio recordings
- ML517118321 - 0:17
- This group of Cedar Waxwings sang for me while I stood below the tree they were perched in. One of my highest-rated recordings on eBird.
From my blogs
Common Gallinule
| A closeup of the Common Gallinule. I like the way the beak goes up onto its forehead like a shield | 01/14/2023 |
Description
The American Kestrel is the Americas' smallest falcon. It’s around the size of a Rock Dove (pigeon) and has similar markings on its face as the Peregrine Falcon. I see it most often at the park perched on power lines white it surveys the field. It does this cool maneuver where it flaps fast and hovers in the air while it looks for a meal.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 01/08/2023 |
| 📍 | South Padre Island, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - Similar to an American Coot, I observed many Common Gallinules at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Similar in size, they were intermingling and enjoying the nice weather we had while we visited. They also cooperated by making some noise offering an opportunity to record them.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Common Gallinule is preening near the reeds | 01/13/2023 |
| A Common Gallinule swims in shallow water. | 01/13/2023 |
Audio recordings
- ML522075421 - 0:12
- The calls of the Common Gallinule
From my blogs
Common Nighthawk
| The amazing camouflage of the Common Nighthawk | 07/24/2022 |
Description
The Common Nighthawk is a master of camouflage. This bird will often perch on a branch like in the above photo and sit motionless for hours. It has a bark-like coloring on its body with striping on its chest. When in flight it has distinct white wing bars that make it easy to spot even in the evening light.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 06/05/20 |
| 📍 | San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - I wanted to see this bird for the longest time. The first time I saw it I was on a walk through my neighborhood and my partner noticed it perched on the roof of one of the houses. We were ecstatic! This bird sits low and parallel to the ground so it's often hard to spot.
The second time we saw this bird was at the Purple Martin Party held by Travis Audubon in Austin, TX. We went to this event to watch thousands of Purple Martins fly through the sky and pour down into the tree to roost for the night. While we were waiting for the martins to begin roosting, I spotted a Common Nighthawk flying around in the sky.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Common Nighthawk flew around the parking lot in Austin, showing off its white wing bars | 07/16/2022 |
| Another view of the hidden nighthawk | 07/30/2022 |
Audio recordings
- ML560097971 - 0:02
- You'll often hear these calls in the evening as the nighthawk flies around.
From my blogs
Cooper's Hawk
| A Cooper's Hawk perched on my backyard fence looking for a songbird snack | 02/02/2023 |
Description
The adult Cooper's Hawk has striking red eyes. Look for its striped tail and wings. It has mottled red and tan color on its chest, similar to a Red-shouldered Hawk but not clear striping.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 09/08/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - When I lived in California, I only saw this bird occasionally. While I was in Huntington Beach, I remember a Kestrel fluttering around a park field. It was perching on various power poles and would flutter in the air and zip around. I stalked it around the field watching it with my binoculars.
Nowadays, here in Texas, we see them all the time. I almost always spot them on power lines at Pearsall Park. Most aren’t skittish and will let me walk underneath them while they stay perched on the lines.
Captured media
Photographs
| A juvenile Cooper's Hawk resting on a branch | 10/13/2013 |
| Cooper's Hawk in flight. I usually look for a striped tail. | 05/18/2014 |
| Cooper's Hawk in a tree during Autumn | 12/21/2013 |
Audio recordings
- ML371206891 - 0:05
- Listen to the calls of the Cooper's Hawk
From my blogs
Dark-eyed Junco
| Dark-eyed Junco rests on a perch | 10/20/2013 |
Description
The Dark-eyed Junco has a black head and buffy/rufous lower parts. It has a conical bill and is similar in size to the Spotted Towhee.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
09/04/2013 |
| 📍 |
Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/15/2022 - On my visit to Pedernales Falls State Park yesterday, I heard Dark-eyed Juncos for the first time since 2015. I would commonly see these birds out on my adventures in Los Angeles, California when I used to live there. It seems that these birds aren’t as common or are mostly in more remote mountainous areas in Texas. Time will tell if I’ll find them in other areas.
I have foggy memories of seeing this bird for the first time in Topanga Canyon. I was there on a bird walk with the Los Angeles Audubon Society and one of the birders pointed out a small group of birds foraging on the ground off the path. Their dark heads could be seen standing out from the dirt they stood in.
On my recent trip yesterday, I captured recordings of them for the first time. I didn’t record back in 2015 so this was my first opportunity. The conditions for the recording were great, almost no breeze, no ambient noise, and no other birds mucking up the recording in the background.
Captured media
Photographs
| A profile of a Dark-eyed Junco on a fountain in Topanga Canyon. |
Audio recordings
- ML513216501 - 0:24
- Listen to the calls of this Dark-eyed Junco. It makes a series of of high-pitched clicks, similar to a Northern Cardinal.
From my blogs
- Coming soon...
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
| The first Golden-fronted Woodpecker I've seen. It was in downtown San Antonio at Madison Square Park. |
Description
The Golden-fronted Woodpecker has a rich yellow color on its face above the beak and on its nape. Black and white cover its backside with a light-colored underside.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
1/22/2018 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, TX |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
1/22/2018 - While I lived in downtown San Antonio I visited the park outside my apartment nearly every morning to see what types of birds visit the inner city. The call and tapping of this woodpecker caught my attention as it foraged for food at the very top of a tree in the middle of the park.
2/26/2023 - I've been frequenting the Medina River Natural Area a lot recently as I've gotten deep into recording birds. The Golden-fronted Woodpecker is a common companion on these visits. Their calls permeate the forest. Woodpeckers are such a treat to hear. You'll hear them vocalize simple calls before they burst out into a loud, intense call.
Captured media
Photographs
| Busy bee looking for food. |
Audio recordings
- ML537086641- 0:05
- Listen to four calls of the Golden-fronted Woodpecker with a call of the Northern Cardinal at the end.
- ML539724591- 0:48
- These calls from the Golden-fronted Woodpecker are a bit higher pitched and more simple than the first clip above.
- These calls from the Golden-fronted Woodpecker are a bit higher pitched and more simple than the first clip above.
From my blogs
- Coming soon...
Great Blue Heron
| A Great Blue Heron in-flight with nesting material | 01/15/2023 |
Description
The Great Blue Heron is a large bluish heron with an orange bill, a white and inky black head, and yellow eyes.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 11/10/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - In my early birding days, I would go birding with the local Audubon in Los Angeles often at Playa del Rey. I remember we would meet near the parking lot next to the lagoon. Birds like the Great Blue Heron and Great Egret could be seen stomping around in the shallow water. There were many tall trees along the water's edge and the herons loved to nest high up in the canopy.
These birds have a wide range, coast to coast, from Mexico up to Canada. Everywhere I've lived, these birds have been a familiar face whenever I'm near water. I often see them hunting in the water or standing around observing their surroundings. Their large size and deliberate movements make them easy subjects to photograph.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Great Blue Heron observes the water as the glow of the afternoon light begins to turn orange | 01/08/2023 |
| I visited Balboa Lake in the San Fernando Valley and spotted this heron while walking the perimeter of the lake | 01/18/2014 |
| A group of herons picked this tree as a nesting location for the season | 04/20/2014 |
Audio recordings
- Coming soon
From my blogs
- Birding in the New Orleans Bayou
- What is that ugly duck at the park called?
- Birds you’ll see birding in the Corpus Christi marina
- A rare visitor at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Great Egret
| A Great Egret in flight | 10/05/2013 |
Description
The Great Egret is a large white bird with a yellow bill, long neck, and long black legs. Don't confuse this bird with the Snowy Egret which has a black bill, black legs, and yellow feet.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 11/05/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - I have fond memories of visiting Playa del Rey in Los Angeles and watching these birds wade through the water.
Recently, when I was visiting the Leon Creek Trailway which runs along the perimeter of Mitchell Lake, I was treated to a bunch of these egrets walking through the reeds. It was here that I heard them vocalize for the first time.
Captured media
Photographs
| The fancy feathers of the Great Egret | 01/18/2014 |
| This egret pokes its head out of the tree canopy | 07/11/2021 |
| A Great Egret wading in the water | 11/10/2013 |
| Closeup of the Great Egret | 11/10/2013 |
Audio recordings
- ML517883561 - 0:25
- Listen to the croaking calls of the Great Egret. Notice the visible "bug band" in the spectrogram which is a result of the insect noise pollution in the recording.
From my blogs
- Birding at the LA River
- Volunteering at International Bird Rescue
- Birding in the New Orleans Bayou
- Birds you’ll see birding in the Corpus Christi marina
- A rare visitor at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Great Kiskadee
Description
The Great Kiskadee is Mockingbird-sized, has bold black and white stripes on its head, a yellow underside and brown back.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
02/04/2018 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
07/3/22 - Though eBird reports I first saw the Great Kiskadee at Mitchell Lake in 2018, it was in a group setting and must’ve had a poor look at it because I have no recollection. I first truly experienced this bird on my trip to Cancun, Mexico in July of 2022.
We took a spontaneous tour to Chichen Itza, and while there, we spotted several Great Kiskadees. The first ones we saw were busy moving about a tree. A while later, we saw one on the ground in the dirt, which was weird. We weren’t sure what it was doing exactly, perhaps a dust bath?
Seeing as I didn’t have my camera on this trip, I had to photograph it with my phone through my binoculars.
01/12/23 - On a recent trip to South Padre Island, Texas, I had many opportunities to see and hear the Great Kiskadee from a close distance at the Birding and Nature Center.
Captured media
Photographs
| Time for a dust bath. Digiscoped with binoculars. 07/03/2022 |
| A Great Kiskadee perched on a power line. 07/03/2022 |
| A Kiskadee perched on a thorny branch in South Padre Island | 01/08/2023 |
Audio recordings
- ML521349181- 1:05
- These are the calls of the Great Kiskadee as it sat in a tree near a man-made waterfall.
From my blogs
House Sparrow
| A female house sparrow perched on a fountain at the Pearl in San Antonio | 07/29/2021 |
Description
The House Sparrow is ubiquitous all over the world. The females are a dull brown color with a yellow beak and a few shades of brown on their backside. The male has grey on top of its head with a black and white throat and an overall richer brown color.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 09/08/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - I feel so conflicted about this bird. Originally from Europe, they can now be found all over the world. They are super adaptable and thrive in cities and other urban areas around humans. I took a trip to Greece recently, and while I was there I realize I've never captured audio of this bird. When we visited Marathon, Greece I captured a short clip of their calls.
Captured media
Photographs
| A male House Sparrow photo courtesy of the Bird Buddy smart feeder | 04/03/2023 |
| This female House Sparrow is perched in an Oak Tree | 10/11/2021 |
| Another look at a Female House Sparrow | 07/29/2021 |
Audio recordings
- ML565438911 - 0:04
- You've definitely heard this bird before
From my blogs
- A rare visitor at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
- REVIEW: New smart bird feeder with a camera and sleek app | Bird Buddy
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Birding in Boerne
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
- Birding at twilight
Lark Sparrow
| A Lark Sparrow perched in a tree | 04/01/2023 |
Description
With streaking on its head and cheeks and a faint marking on its chest, the Lark Sparrow is a striking bird for a sparrow.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 12/05/2015 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - As of today, I've only reported this bird seven times. I've seen it mainly on the ground looking for food, usually alone or in small groups.
Captured media
Photographs
| A soft photo of a Lark Sparrow on the ground | 12/19/2015 |
| Two Lark Sparrows foraging for food | 12/19/2015 |
Audio recordings
- ML559043631 - 0:57
- This is a nice recording of the Lark Sparrow's song and the song of a Cassin's Sparrow. I heard both of these birds next to the parking lot over the fence. For some reason, the only place I hear the Cassin's sparrow is in this specific location at Medina River Natural Area.
From my blogs
Laughing Gull
| Corpus Christi, TX |
Description
During the breeding season, the adult Laughing Gull has a dark grey back and wings, a white chest and undersides, and a black head. In the offseason, the bird’s black head turns white.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
08/16/2014 |
| 📍 |
Long Island, New York |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
5/21/22 - I love the Laughing Gull. My husband and I frequently go down to Corpus Christi, TX to walk along the beach. The hilarious calls of the Laughing Gulls can be heard from every direction. The ones in the touristy area we frequent seem to be surveying for food scraps. Their heads are black during breeding season and white in the off season.
Captured media
Photographs
| Immature Laughing Gull in flight. Note the darker and browner plumage. |
| A thirsty Laughing Gull in breeding plumage finishes taking a drink. |
Audio recordings
- ML244685801- 0:08
- Listen to the hilarious laugh of the Laughing Gull. It always brings a smile to our faces as we walk underneath these birds perched atop street lights along the coast of Corpus Christ, Texas.
From my blogs
- Birds you’ll see birding in the Corpus Christi Marina
- Analyzing fun bird song spectrograms
- Visualize bird songs with spectrograms
Lesser Goldfinch
| A male Lesser Goldfinch in the glow of the morning sun | 06/21/2014 |
Description
The Lesser Goldfinch is the more striking of the two common kinds of Goldfinches we get in the United States (the other being the American Goldfinch). It has a bright yellow body, black crown, and backside. It has a chaotic pretty song and you’ll mostly see them in small flocks.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
12/01/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
11/8/22 - I remember my first few times seeing the Lesser Goldfinch when I lived in California. I was familiar with American Goldfinches at the time but was confused by these birds that had so much more black on them. I thought they looked really cool and the birders I was with identified them. They have a pretty whistling song and I usually find them foraging in trees in groups. The featured photo above was captured at Crescent Bend Nature Park in a bird blind and perch setup.
I haven't quite nailed their song down by ear yet. If I've heard it recently I can pick it out. Certain songs they make I can call, but their presence has surprised me a few times. I had a nice experience recording them at Denman Park last year. They were deep inside a tree in the parking lot and their song attracted me to their location. No other birds were in earshot so it made it easy to get good recordings.
Captured media
Photographs
| A female Lesser Goldfinch lands on a perch for a photo | 07/30/2022 |
| A goldfinch clings to some field flowers | 05/18/2014 |
Audio recordings
- ML381426761 - 0:31
- I love the pretty and chaotic song of the Lesser Goldfinch.
From my blogs
- Sepulveda Basin – Birding Summary
- Bird Banding in Zuma Canyon
- Christmas Bird Count in Los Angeles at Limekiln Canyon
- Recording and photographing birds at the same time
- Birding in Boerne
- Birding at Crescent Bend Nature Park
Lincoln's Sparrow
| Lincoln's Sparrow on a branch| 03/13/2022 |
Description
The Lincoln's Sparrow is marked by a gray-brown back, streaked with darker brown and rust-colored feathers. The breast and sides are buffy with fine streaks, gradually fading into a pale whitish belly. The face features a distinctive grayish-brown crown with a faint, narrow eye ring.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 12/01/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/18/2023 - I had my first memorable experience with the Lincoln's Sparrow at Pearsall Park in San Antonio. I heard a bird singing from a bush off the trail and I looked for it as it popped up and perched on a branch. It cooperated for nice pictures but I'm still waiting for an opportunity to record it.
Captured media
Photographs
| A funny forward-facing pose of the Lincoln's Sparrow. My highest-rated photo on eBird | 01/11/2023 |
| A profile of the Lincoln's Sparrow standing on a log | 01/11/2023 |
| The Lincoln's Sparrow clinging to a branch looking cute with its head turned | 03/13/2022 |
Audio recordings
- Coming soon
From my blogs
- Coming soon
Loggerhead Shrike
| A singing Loggerhead Shrike | 10/08/2022 |
Description
The striking, block Zorro mask of the Loggerhead Shrike makes it unmistakable when you spot this bird. It’s robin-sized with a grey upper body and white lower. It has black and grey wings and can often be heard calling or singing from trees.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
01/19/2014 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
10/19/22 - The cute but vicious Loggerhead Shrike is often found on barbed wire or thorny branches. It grabs a prey and impales it on the thorns. I usually don’t hear the Shrike vocalize but I got lucky and heard it recently and got to take a new recording of it. My husband and I always keep an eye out for this bird when driving around or going on a walk.
Captured media
Photographs
| The backside of the Loggerhead Shrike | 10/08/2022 |
| A proud-looking Loggerhead Shrike perches on a power line next to the path in the park | 10/16/2021 |
Audio recordings
- ML492638881
- This is the song of the Loggerhead Shrike. There is a group of trees at the park that the shrike often likes to hang out in when I visit.
- This is the song of the Loggerhead Shrike. There is a group of trees at the park that the shrike often likes to hang out in when I visit.
From my blogs
- The song of the Loggerhead Shrike
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
Morelet's Seedeater
| A Morelet's Seedeater perched on the highest bough in the tallest tree. The best place to sing. | 10/02/2021 |
Description
The Morelet's Seedeater can often be found perched atop tall trees singing a pretty tune. The males are black with white collars/wingbars and a short, stubby black beak.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 07/02/2022 |
| 📍 | Cancún, México |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - I visited Malecon Tajamar in Cancun in pursuit of the Plain Chachalaca. While I was wandering down the various streets in the area, I heard a pretty birdsong coming from high above. On the highest branch in a nearby tall tree, I could see a small dark bird singing. My Merlin app identified it as a Morelet's Seedeater. The cute bird made an appearance on both of my visits to this area and it cooperated for a nice recording on my second visit, which you can see below. As with all of my bird photos from Cancún, all of my photos were digiscoped through my binoculars with my iPhone.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Morelet's Seedeater has found the perfect singing perch. | 07/02/2022 |
Audio recordings
- ML464786861- 0:51
- Listen to the pretty song of the Morelet's Seedeater. It caught my ear as soon as I heard it. It sounded like no other birds in the area.
From my blogs
Mourning Dove
| My favorite photo of the Mourning Dove perched on a rusty chainlink fence | 05/18/2014 |
Description
The Mourning Dove has a slender, streamlined body with a long, tapered tail. Its wings are pointed and enable swift and agile flight. The overall plumage of the dove is predominantly soft gray-brown, with a slightly lighter shade on the underside. The back displays some black spotting. It makes a soft cooing sound.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 09/04/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/18/2023 - A common visitor to my backyard and often seen when I'm birding, the Mourning Dove is a sweet bird. As it flies away its wings make a whistling sound.
Captured media
Photographs
| A Mourning Dove enjoys the gentle morning sunlight | 10/20/2013 |
| This Mourning Dove is perched on my fence on a cloudy day | 08/05/2021 |
| A poofed-up Mourning Dove seen from below as it's perched on the edge of a roof | 04/20/2014 |
Audio recordings
- Coming soon
From my blogs
- From robins to falcons: Testing AI’s ability to render realistic birds in various positions
- Birding at Brackenridge Park – Avenue A
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
Northern Cardinal
| My Northern Cardinal lifer on Long Island. | 08/16/2014 |
Description
The Northern Cardinal is the iconic red bird of winter and holiday motifs. It's red all over with a crest and a black face. In the spring and summer months, they are prolific singers with songs that sound like space lasers "pew pew pew".
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 08/15/2014 |
| 📍 | Long Island, New York |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
08/15/2014 - During a trip to New York City, we stayed with the parents of one of our friends on Long Island. It was during our stay at their home that I officially saw my first Northern Cardinal. There were a number of bird feeders in the backyard: hopper feeders, goldfinch feeders, and hummingbird feeders. It was at these feeders that a bunch of Cardinals frequently visited. This is such a prolific and common bird throughout the Eastern half of the United States that most birders don't get excited about it. It was a lifer at this moment, so I was absolutely elated.
03/19/2023 - I've dove deeply into recording birds over the past year and the Northern Cardinal is an excellent subject. Its loud flamboyant songs remind me of spaceship lasers and stand out nicely among the other forest noises. These birds tend to quiet down in the off-season and you'll mostly hear them make calls in the winter.
Captured media
Photographs
| A female Northern Cardinal surveys from its perch | 05/26/2023 |
| The profile of the Northern Cardinal on a tree branch. | 03/30/2019 |
Audio recordings
- ML529012351 - 0:17
- This is a song of the Northern Cardinal I captured in late January as spring started to approach. It can be described as alternating quick downslurs with brief upslurs.
- ML359551091 - 0:13
- A great example of the spaceship laser song this bird often likes to sing.
- ML517873401 - 0:13
- The clear, simple call of the Northern Cardinal. Small, high-pitched pips.
- The clear, simple call of the Northern Cardinal. Small, high-pitched pips.
From my blogs
- Analyzing fun bird song spectrograms
- The challenges of recording birds
- Recording birds with the MixPre-3 II
- Recording birds at Medina River Natural Area and Greenway
- Always check that speck
- Birding at Crescent Bend Nature Park
- Identify bird songs using your phone with Merlin
Northern Mockingbird
| A Northern Mockingbird perched in a tree enjoying the morning sun | 04/01/2023 |
Description
The American Kestrel is the Americas' smallest falcon. It’s around the size of a Rock Dove (pigeon) and has similar markings on its face as the Peregrine Falcon. I see it most often at the park perched on power lines white it surveys the field. It does this cool maneuver where it flaps fast and hovers in the air while it looks for a meal.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 12/21/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2013 - One of my favorite birds. Its fun scientific name is Mimus Polyglottos. This bird is a true polyglot. I hear it imitate many other bird songs as well as sounds like car alarms. I remember seeing this bird walking along a wall in Koreatown, Los Angeles while I was on a walk through the area. I have seen this bird almost 200 times, and I am surprised I never took the time to record it. I feel since I see it so often, I assumed I already had a recording. So, one will be shared soon.
Captured media
Photographs
| A singing Northern Mockingbird | 10/16/2021 |
| At my old apartment complex I found this fledgling mocking bird exercising its wings| 10/16/2021 |
Audio recordings
- Coming soon!
From my blogs
- Mockingbird Songs Versus Jazz Musicians. Who mocked who?
- Setting up bird feeders in my backyard
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
Painted Bunting
| The first male Painted Bunting I’ve seen. It flew down onto a branch next to the path at my favorite park. | 05/21/2022 |
Description
Like it’s painted with broad strokes of red, blue, yellow, and hints of green, the male Painted Bunting is iconic. This bird’s song sounds similar to a House Finch without the finch’s ”pooping” sound in the middle of the melody (another’s words, not mine). It has a red eye ring which adds contrast to help its eyes stand out.
The female is a muted yellow color and the same shape as the male.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
07/30/2021 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
5/25/22 - My first solo experience of the Painted Bunting was at Pearsall Park in July 2021. At the park, there is a disc golf course and birds of all kinds like to perch on the goal. That day, I spotted a small bird on a distant goal. Getting a closer look I could see the dull yellow color of the female Painted Bunting. It was exciting but not as thrilling as seeing the brilliant colors of the male. It wouldn't be for almost another year that I'd see this bird. On my regular weekend visit to the park in May of 2022, it was finally my moment.
I was walking down the trail toward the creek and shortly before arriving, I saw the flash of a red bird. Thinking it was a Cardinal, but always checking, I held up my binoculars and a rush of colors. The male Painted Bunting had finally revealed itself. I struggled with my camera and it flew only to land on a branch even closer. It managed to stay put for a moment or two and allowed me to capture its photo. I've seen it a few times since at Cibolo Nature Center bringing friends along with me to share in the spectacle.
Captured media
Photographs
| Another pose from my first experience with the male Painted Bunting. |
| Showing off its backside and its vibrant yellow. |
| The Painted Bunting perched on top of a snag at Cibolo Nature Center. |
| This female Painted Bunting was a lifer for me in 2021. | 07/30/2021 |
| Bath time | 05/26/2023 |
| Aggressive splashing | 05/26/2023 |
| Any type of wire can be a good perch, even rusted barbed wire. | 05/26/2023 |
Audio recordings
- ML445730921 - 0:28
- This is the pretty song of the Painted Bunting. If you compare it to a House Finch you may find some similarities.
From my blogs
- Tanagers & Parulas at Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
Red-shouldered Hawk
| A Red-shouldered Hawk on a powerline. Notice the barring on its chest. | 11/10/2022 |
Description
The Red-shouldered Hawk looks similar to the Red-tailed Hawk sans the red tail. It has red and white barring on its chest and black & white on its wings.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 09/04/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
12/16/2022 - I only came to appreciate the Red-shouldered Hawk once I moved to San Antonio. It's very common here and I see it much more often than the Red-tailed. I have been recording a lot the past few months at Medina River Natural Area and have captured some great recordings of this bird as it flies around and perches in the various trees. I've seen them quarreling with the local crows with them both calling out; perhaps it was a territorial thing.
Captured media
Photographs
| A profile of the Red-shouldered Hawk in a tree | 03/13/2022 |
| A Red-shouldered Hawk with its head turned around | 12/05/2015 |
Audio recordings
- ML517872621 - 0:09
- One of my favorite recordings of the Red-shouldered Hawk. Its call starts off slower and then gets louder and more intense.
- ML529012191 - 0:45
- The screeches of the Red-shouldered Hawk.
- ML517872641 - 0:23
- More calls of this hawk. More reverb as it flies around as it calls
- ML517872611 - 0:06
- Raptor calls like this one often put smaller birds on alert. You'll sometimes hear other birds make warning calls.
From my blogs
- Recording birds with the MixPre-3 II
- Recording birds at Medina River Natural Area and Greenway
- Birding at Medina River in San Antonio
- Birding in Boerne
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
| This Scissor-tailed Flycatcher posed nicely for a handful of photos. |
Description
An overall gray body with salmon-colored flanks and dark gray wings. This striking flycatcher has a long black and white tail that opens up into a magnificent scissor shape during flight.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
04/06/2018 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
5/22/22 - I love this bird. I see it often during this time of year. It loves to perch on powerlines and survey fields and passersby. I recently saw nests of this bird at a local park. Shortly after this discovery, an intense storm occurred and I believe it wiped out the unsheltered nest (seen in the final photo below). Last week we discovered another nest, this time at a local pond, this one looked much more ready to withstand inclement weather.
Captured media
Photographs
| This Scissor-tailed Flycatcher nest I discovered. |
| A great example of the varying tail lengths due to age. |
| A mid-air view of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in flight |
| This one perched on the tree support stake in my front yard. |
Audio recordings
- ML512356811- 0:14
- Listen to the song of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Their song serves as a nice ambient sound when I’m on the search for less conspicuous birds.
From my blogs
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Birding in Boerne
Summer Tanager
| An adult Summer Tanager perched against a bright sky | 05/08/2022 |
Description
Crimson red, the male Summer Tanager may appear to be a Northern Cardinal at a distance, but its song, and shape set it apart. If you’re lucky to see an immature tanager, you’ll notice their blotchy red and yellow feathers. The female Summer Tanagers are bright yellow.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
04/30/2022 |
| 📍 |
New Braunfels, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
5/24/22 - I remember the first time I experienced this bird. We were in New Braunfels to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and while waiting for our table, we walked down to the river and I heard the song of a bird I didn't recognize. Merlin confirmed it as a Summer Tanager and I was elated. The very next day I ventured over to Cibolo Nature Center and we got an actual glimpse of a male and juvenile Summer Tanager for the first time. Since then, I've seen it a few more times on subsequent visits to Cibolo.
Captured media
Photographs
| A tanager perches on a snag in Cibolo Nature Center in Texas | 05/01/2022 |
| An immature Summer Tanager sings from high in the treetops | 05/08/2022 |
| A clear view of the blotchy yellow and red feathers of an immature Summer Tanager | 07/31/2022 |
Audio recordings
- ML442913411 - 0:12
- This is the call of the Summer Tanager.
From my blogs
- Birding in Boerne
- Tanagers & Parulas at Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
White-crowned Sparrow
| A male White-crowned Sparrow in a tree | 12/05/2015 |
Description
The male White-crowned sparrow has a black-and-white streaked head and a drab brown body while the females crown is chestnut and white.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 10/20/2013 |
| 📍 | Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/11/2023 - I've always enjoyed seeing this bird. I don't always see them when I bird, but they are unmistakable. I saw this bird early on in my birding adventures in California and I see them often in Texas as well.
Captured media
Photographs
| A female house sparrow showing its brown and white crown| 10/16/2021 |
| A male White-crowned Sparrow with some plant material sitting on a bush | 10/16/2021 |
Audio recordings
- ML502245451 - 0:03
- This is a faint recording of the White-crowned Sparrow in Colorado.
From my blogs
- Participating in the Christmas Bird Count
- A visit to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado
- Birding at twilight
White-eyed Vireo
| A White-eyed Vireo showing off its white eyes and colorful forehead. |
Description
The White-eyed Vireo is more often heard than seen. It has a gray head with yellow on its face and underside. You'll notice a yellow underside and face with an olive-colored back and white wing bars.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
2/04/2018 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, TX |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
8/7/2021 - This was the day that the White-eyed Vireo finally cooperated for a blurry, mediocre photo.
3/11/2023 - Because this bird is very vocal and shy, it is a great target to record. It makes a chk-vireo-chk sound that sounds like no other bird I hear. Its song is conspicuous and easy to pick out from the cacophony of the forest.
Captured media
Photographs
| The first time the Vireo decided to make a quick appearance. I was able to snap this quick, but blurry photo of it. |
| This photo attempt was much better with ideal lighting. You can really see the white eyes. |
Audio recordings
- ML518169001- 0:43
- The White-eyed Vireo in this clip sounds extremely agitated with its rapid calls that went on and on.
- ML526944201- 0:19
- Listen to the distinct call of the White-eyed Vireo. Chk Vireo Chk!
- ML539724621- 1:27
- This bird calls without the final chk. Halfway through the clip is switches its song to an even more complicated version.
From my blogs
- Birding at Medina River in San Antonio
- Birding at Crescent Bend Nature Park
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Birding in Boerne
- Practicing as a birding guide at Pearsall Park
- Tanagers & Parulas at Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
- Recording and photographing birds at the same time
- Finding a Yellow-billed Cuckoo while birding at Pearsall Park
Yellow Warbler
| A singing Yellow Warbler | 06/21/2014 |
Description
The Yellow Warbler is appropriately named as it describes it perfectly. It‘s a standard issue, yellow warbler with a black beak.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
05/03/2014 |
| 📍 |
Los Angeles, California |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
01/08/23 - My photography helps me remember and study the birds I see. In 2014, I captured a great photo of a singing Yellow Warbler. I used it on several occasions on my blog at the time for different posts. The slight reddish streaking on its breast stands out in my memory as an indicator to remember this bird.
01/15/23 - On a recent trip to South Padre Island, Texas, I visited the Birding and Nature Center on two occasions. Other birders were there to see the “Mangrove Warbler." A variant of the Yellow Warbler, it can be distinguished by its red head. This was the bird I wanted to see. The first morning I wandered over to the general area of the boardwalk it was seen near and got lucky. Other birders and I were able to get a visual of it. I only had my microphone with me the first morning, but did make recordings of it. The following morning, we found it again in the same spot next to the water and I captured a few decent photos of it.
Captured media
Photographs
| A Yellow “Mangrove” Warbler at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. It perches on a branch to get a drink. | 01/08/2023 |
| A profile of the Yellow “Mangrove” Warbler. This bird’s head is not as solidly chestnut red as other ones I’ve seen online. | 01/08/2023 |
Audio recordings
- ML521350041- 0:19
- These are the calls of the Mangrove Warbler in South Padre Island.
From my blogs
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
| My first photo of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. |
Description
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a cute bird with a yellow and black beak, white throat & underside, a tan upper side and a yellow eye ring. I’ve only noticed it in trees and never on the ground. The bird makes a call that sounds like a crying puppy to me. It was from this crying that I found my first cuckoo on my own.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 |
07/11/2021 |
| 📍 |
San Antonio, Texas |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
5/21/22 - I technically first saw or heard this bird on a group trip to Mitchell Lake in July 2021 but consider my own 'discovery' of this bird to be the following month when I found it at Pearsall Park on my own. I got a really great look and ID of it and even got a recording of its 'crying puppy' call. I hadn't seen this bird since last year and when I led my first bird walk this past weekend, it made a grand appearance to everyone's delight.
Captured media
Photographs
| A Yellow-billed Cuckoo holding what looks like a caterpillar it found | 08/07/2021 |
| A profile view of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo | 05/21/2022 |
| Front view of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo | 08/02/2021 |
Audio recordings
- ML358695801 - 1:50
- Listen to the coos of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. It reminds me of a puppy.
From my blogs
- Leading a bird walk at Pearsall Park with Bexar Audubon Society
- Los Angeles Bird Fest 2015 Attracts Bird Lovers from All Over
- Finding a Yellow-billed Cuckoo while birding at Pearsall Park
- Birding in Boerne
- Painted Buntings and Nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
- Recording and photographing birds at the same time
Eurasia
Birds from the Eurasia with pictures, recordings, and other observations.
Eurasian Jay
| A profile of the Eurasian Magpie at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece | 04/24/2023 |
Description
The Eurasian Magpie is unmistakable. Black, white, and iridescent blue-green, this flamboyant bird can be seen throughout Europe and parts of Asia.
Personal stats
First observation
| 📆 | 04/24/2023 |
| 📍 | Athens, Greece |
Captured media details
| Male |
Female |
Unknown |
|
| 📸 | ✔️ | ||
| 🎙️ | ✔️ |
Experiences & anecdotes
05/10/2023 - I arrived in Athens, not sure where or what birds I was going to see. The Eurasian Magpie was one of my favorite birds we found in the city. I got my first great look at this bird on our visit to the Parthenon at the Acropolis. As we climbed the hill, we saw many of these birds flying around.
Captured media
Photographs
| The backside of a Eurasian Magpie. It looks like it has some kind of food it's contemplating eating. Is it something dead? I'm not sure. It wasn't until I reviewed this photo that I noticed it had something. | 04/24/2023 |
| Enjoying the flowers in a field. | 04/24/2023 |
| A nice view of the magpie's wings as it dives off the Cartyids of Erechtheion | 04/24/2023 |
Audio recordings
- ML565464041 - 0:02
- A few quick calls from the Eurasian Magpie