Northern Mockingbird (Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV)
The Northern Mockingbird can be found in a variety of habitats with bushes and trees, from neighborhoods to desert scrubs and old pastures. Mimics birds, car alarms, slamming doors, and other noises in its song, repeating a phrase 5-7 times before switching to the next set of notes. (ebird.org)
This bird gave me so much drama! When I go birding, sometimes I look for a lot of different birds, sometimes I'm very specific. The more I go out there, I get familiar with the specific calls, and screeches. I am not a pro by any means, but I can tell what type of birds I'll be able to "shoot" by just listening to their sounds. I find this technique very useful, because most of the time, they are either really tiny or too fast to spot. I just learned to follow where the sound is coming from. I usually find something very pretty! This bird, however...
One day, there was a report from a birder that there was a Lawrence's Goldfinch in the park. I googled what it looked like before I went to the park. I am familiar with finch songs because they are all over my garden, so I thought I could start there. I heard loud and clear one bird making that sound. So I walked towards the tree. I couldn't find him at all! When I looked up, there was a mockingbird mimicking every noise that he heard! I was disappointed a little...
I said: "I know you! You are not my target today!" Then I walked away. Then I hear a screeching sound. Wait! I said to myself, I am not gonna fall for it! I looked at the mockingbird. Yep! That's him! I can see his beak and breast moving when he was making all that noise!
They are fun birds and they surely know how to entertain me, while keeping me busy! I was fooled by them all day! And the result? I am still looking for my target, the "Lawrence's Goldfinch."
The Northern Mockingbird can be found in a variety of habitats with bushes and trees, from neighborhoods to desert scrubs and old pastures. Mimics birds, car alarms, slamming doors, and other noises in its song, repeating a phrase 5-7 times before switching to the next set of notes. (ebird.org)
This bird gave me so much drama! When I go birding, sometimes I look for a lot of different birds, sometimes I'm very specific. The more I go out there, I get familiar with the specific calls, and screeches. I am not a pro by any means, but I can tell what type of birds I'll be able to "shoot" by just listening to their sounds. I find this technique very useful, because most of the time, they are either really tiny or too fast to spot. I just learned to follow where the sound is coming from. I usually find something very pretty! This bird, however...
One day, there was a report from a birder that there was a Lawrence's Goldfinch in the park. I googled what it looked like before I went to the park. I am familiar with finch songs because they are all over my garden, so I thought I could start there. I heard loud and clear one bird making that sound. So I walked towards the tree. I couldn't find him at all! When I looked up, there was a mockingbird mimicking every noise that he heard! I was disappointed a little...
I said: "I know you! You are not my target today!" Then I walked away. Then I hear a screeching sound. Wait! I said to myself, I am not gonna fall for it! I looked at the mockingbird. Yep! That's him! I can see his beak and breast moving when he was making all that noise!
They are fun birds and they surely know how to entertain me, while keeping me busy! I was fooled by them all day! And the result? I am still looking for my target, the "Lawrence's Goldfinch."
Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon's) (Lake Mead, NV)
Adult males have a yellow throat and rump, and yellow patches on their sides. When males court females, they fluff their feathers, raise their wings and the feathers of the crown, and hop from perch to perch, chipping. (Allaboutbirds.org)
I guess this guy was in the middle of his courting dance! I remembered he did not want to sit still. I had one heck of a time trying to capture this guy. He was hopping on every salt cedar bush near the shoreline at Lake Mead. He was doing his thing to impress his lady, but he was rudely interrupted by me!
Sorry dude!
Adult males have a yellow throat and rump, and yellow patches on their sides. When males court females, they fluff their feathers, raise their wings and the feathers of the crown, and hop from perch to perch, chipping. (Allaboutbirds.org)
I guess this guy was in the middle of his courting dance! I remembered he did not want to sit still. I had one heck of a time trying to capture this guy. He was hopping on every salt cedar bush near the shoreline at Lake Mead. He was doing his thing to impress his lady, but he was rudely interrupted by me!
Sorry dude!
House Finch (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Is this a Cassin's Finch or House Finch? Tough call! The experts think this is a House Finch. Either way, as common as they are, I still love finding these beautiful birds!
Is this a Cassin's Finch or House Finch? Tough call! The experts think this is a House Finch. Either way, as common as they are, I still love finding these beautiful birds!
Coot (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
I was walking by the pond and found this guy chilling, or I should say posing. I see coots, ducks, geese, doves, and pigeons all the time, so I normally just keep on walking, don't pay attention to them at all. Unless they are like this guy right here. Perfect angle, beautiful reflection of the driftwood... I bet this bigfoot, I mean this coot thinks he is the most beautiful thing on the planet! He is looking at his own reflection, and says "Black beauty..."
I was walking by the pond and found this guy chilling, or I should say posing. I see coots, ducks, geese, doves, and pigeons all the time, so I normally just keep on walking, don't pay attention to them at all. Unless they are like this guy right here. Perfect angle, beautiful reflection of the driftwood... I bet this bigfoot, I mean this coot thinks he is the most beautiful thing on the planet! He is looking at his own reflection, and says "Black beauty..."
Double-crested Cormorant (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
From a distance, Double-crested Cormorants are dark birds with snaky necks, but up-close they’re quite colorful—with orange-yellow skin on their face and throat, striking aquamarine eyes that sparkle like jewels, and a mouth that is bright blue on the inside. (allaboutbirds.org)
In my opinion, the Double-crested Cormorant has the prettiest eyes! I am a huge fan of this bird! I don't mind taking just head shots of this bird to capture the beauty of their eyes! This bird stayed still like this the entire time I was at the park, posing. So photogenic, right? I took so many pictures of him, but a lot of them were "photo-bombed" by ducks!
From a distance, Double-crested Cormorants are dark birds with snaky necks, but up-close they’re quite colorful—with orange-yellow skin on their face and throat, striking aquamarine eyes that sparkle like jewels, and a mouth that is bright blue on the inside. (allaboutbirds.org)
In my opinion, the Double-crested Cormorant has the prettiest eyes! I am a huge fan of this bird! I don't mind taking just head shots of this bird to capture the beauty of their eyes! This bird stayed still like this the entire time I was at the park, posing. So photogenic, right? I took so many pictures of him, but a lot of them were "photo-bombed" by ducks!
Black Crowned Night Heron (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Black-crowned Night Heron nest in groups that often include other species, including herons, egrets, and ibises. A breeding Black-crowned Night-Heron will brood any chick that is placed in its nest. The herons apparently don’t distinguish between their own offspring and nestlings from other parents. (allaboutbirds.org)
These guys like to play hide & seek with me. Pretty easy to spot them, because they look like a penguin roosting on a tree, and it looks pretty awkward! I want to visit them at night to see how creepy they are at night. The place I went to capture this bird was in the park, but it is surrounded by a housing development. I think I would be more creepy to the residents if I went up there at night and wondered around the pond. I would probably get shot! People in this town are pretty strapped. I'm not talking tie downs! I don't want any trouble!!
Black-crowned Night Heron nest in groups that often include other species, including herons, egrets, and ibises. A breeding Black-crowned Night-Heron will brood any chick that is placed in its nest. The herons apparently don’t distinguish between their own offspring and nestlings from other parents. (allaboutbirds.org)
These guys like to play hide & seek with me. Pretty easy to spot them, because they look like a penguin roosting on a tree, and it looks pretty awkward! I want to visit them at night to see how creepy they are at night. The place I went to capture this bird was in the park, but it is surrounded by a housing development. I think I would be more creepy to the residents if I went up there at night and wondered around the pond. I would probably get shot! People in this town are pretty strapped. I'm not talking tie downs! I don't want any trouble!!
Ruddy Duck (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico. (allaboutbirds.org)
This sky-blue bill... If this bill or my hot pink crocs (my favorite sandals) don't catch your eye, what else can?? Like I mentioned before, I normally don't pay any mind to common ducks or geese at a park, but I have never seen this type of duck before! Didn't even know they existed. The more I get into this field, more I learn about the wildlife around me. It's such an awesome experience to learn about a new creature!
Ruddy Ducks are compact, thick-necked waterfowl with seemingly oversized tails that they habitually hold upright. Breeding males are almost cartoonishly bold, with a sky-blue bill, shining white cheek patch, and gleaming chestnut body. They court females by beating their bill against their neck hard enough to create a swirl of bubbles in the water. This widespread duck breeds mostly in the prairie pothole region of North America and winters in wetlands throughout the U.S. and Mexico. (allaboutbirds.org)
This sky-blue bill... If this bill or my hot pink crocs (my favorite sandals) don't catch your eye, what else can?? Like I mentioned before, I normally don't pay any mind to common ducks or geese at a park, but I have never seen this type of duck before! Didn't even know they existed. The more I get into this field, more I learn about the wildlife around me. It's such an awesome experience to learn about a new creature!
Black-necked Stilt (Lake Mead, NV)
Black-necked Stilts are among the most stately of the shorebirds, with long rose-pink legs, a long thin black bill, and elegant black-and-white plumage that make them unmistakable at a glance. They move deliberately when foraging, walking slowly through wetlands in search of tiny aquatic prey. When disturbed, stilts are vociferous, to put it mildly, and their high, yapping calls carry for some distance. (allaboutbirds.org)
This bird has rhythm! There was a group of people camping across the bay from us, and playing loud mariachi songs. We were a bit annoyed by the fact that they were playing the music so loudly, and robbing other people of vital relaxation time. This bird however- was just enjoying the music. He was side stepping, pecking and poking, catching small creatures. It was so fun to watch him just enjoying the moment. That made me forget the fact that I was a bit angry about the inconsiderate people.
Black-necked Stilts are among the most stately of the shorebirds, with long rose-pink legs, a long thin black bill, and elegant black-and-white plumage that make them unmistakable at a glance. They move deliberately when foraging, walking slowly through wetlands in search of tiny aquatic prey. When disturbed, stilts are vociferous, to put it mildly, and their high, yapping calls carry for some distance. (allaboutbirds.org)
This bird has rhythm! There was a group of people camping across the bay from us, and playing loud mariachi songs. We were a bit annoyed by the fact that they were playing the music so loudly, and robbing other people of vital relaxation time. This bird however- was just enjoying the music. He was side stepping, pecking and poking, catching small creatures. It was so fun to watch him just enjoying the moment. That made me forget the fact that I was a bit angry about the inconsiderate people.
Great Blue Heron (Lake Mead, NV)
Herons, like most of our birds, are legally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This stately Heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. (allaboutbirds.org)
Personally, I love all birds of prey. When we go fishing, there is a Heron usually posted up near us the entire day. I am not sure if that's his spot and we are rudely invading his spot, or he likes to hang out with us. I think this bird can see that we have live bait and is waiting for a moment to snatch and grab a meal. Every time I look at this guy, he looks away. When I get little closer, he flies away. When I look away he's back in the same spot. He flies from point A to point B, but never too far from us. As soon as we get in the car, they fly over to our spot and clean up the leftover bait! Sometimes we leave a little extra minnows for them!
This particular day, I went fishing with my husband knowing that I was going to spend most of the day taking pictures. But I forgot a tripod! It was so painful! I had to be creative. I thought, I can use his pickup truck as a some kind of camera stabilizer. So I got up on top of the truck bed and posted. I had my camera focused on the Heron and started taking pictures. Then he decided to take off! I quickly followed where he was going and started to press the button! He landed across the bay from us. Pretty far away. Luckily, I had a 400mm zoom lens on, so I was able to get something. But this was my first day using the 400 mm zoom lens, and I was not used to seeing moving objects through a big lens without knowing how to use auto-focus or holding the heavy duty lens. I couldn't feel my arms after this event!
When I got home and looked at this picture, all of my arm pain went away...
Herons, like most of our birds, are legally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This stately Heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. (allaboutbirds.org)
Personally, I love all birds of prey. When we go fishing, there is a Heron usually posted up near us the entire day. I am not sure if that's his spot and we are rudely invading his spot, or he likes to hang out with us. I think this bird can see that we have live bait and is waiting for a moment to snatch and grab a meal. Every time I look at this guy, he looks away. When I get little closer, he flies away. When I look away he's back in the same spot. He flies from point A to point B, but never too far from us. As soon as we get in the car, they fly over to our spot and clean up the leftover bait! Sometimes we leave a little extra minnows for them!
This particular day, I went fishing with my husband knowing that I was going to spend most of the day taking pictures. But I forgot a tripod! It was so painful! I had to be creative. I thought, I can use his pickup truck as a some kind of camera stabilizer. So I got up on top of the truck bed and posted. I had my camera focused on the Heron and started taking pictures. Then he decided to take off! I quickly followed where he was going and started to press the button! He landed across the bay from us. Pretty far away. Luckily, I had a 400mm zoom lens on, so I was able to get something. But this was my first day using the 400 mm zoom lens, and I was not used to seeing moving objects through a big lens without knowing how to use auto-focus or holding the heavy duty lens. I couldn't feel my arms after this event!
When I got home and looked at this picture, all of my arm pain went away...
Great Egret (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
When I first captured the Heron, my family and a friend had a big debate over Heron vs. Egret. Oh, I researched! They are in the same family, but the conclusion is... The gray one is a Heron, and the white one is an Egret! This beauty right here was watching me coming close to him. Every time I got to a perfect location to take pictures of this bird, I pick up my camera- he flies away. Then I had to start all over again! My goal was to take pictures of this guy spreading his wings and flying. When I set up and was ready to go, he just didn't want to move. Just standing there on top of the tree, watching my every move. If I got any closer, he screeched. As result of that I got a picture of this guy screeching! I need to be more patient and bring some snacks, drinks, a chair, and just stay there for a while... When can I find time like that in my life?!
When I first captured the Heron, my family and a friend had a big debate over Heron vs. Egret. Oh, I researched! They are in the same family, but the conclusion is... The gray one is a Heron, and the white one is an Egret! This beauty right here was watching me coming close to him. Every time I got to a perfect location to take pictures of this bird, I pick up my camera- he flies away. Then I had to start all over again! My goal was to take pictures of this guy spreading his wings and flying. When I set up and was ready to go, he just didn't want to move. Just standing there on top of the tree, watching my every move. If I got any closer, he screeched. As result of that I got a picture of this guy screeching! I need to be more patient and bring some snacks, drinks, a chair, and just stay there for a while... When can I find time like that in my life?!
Prairie Falcon (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Who is this guy?? Same day at the park waiting on action from the hard head Egret, I was shocked by a coyote jumping right out of the marsh in front of me. Right after that, I heard a hawk like sound from another direction. I looked up, and saw something chasing and diving really fast. I quickly grabbed the camera and started taking pictures hoping that I was catching something. I really didn't have any time to double check the settings... Luckily I caught this one in motion! I was pretty familiar with hawks because I was watching a Red-tailed Hawk family almost daily at the time. So I knew that wasn't it. When I got home to ID this bird, I said to myself. "Where do I begin...?" His face kind of looked like an American Kestrel at the park, but the tail looks different, and what is the black patch under the wings?? As I was going through all of the possibilities, I thought, Prairie Falcon?? I asked the experts to help me in identifying this bird. It was confirmed that this was a Prairie Falcon. I was so happy that I found another bird of prey!
Who is this guy?? Same day at the park waiting on action from the hard head Egret, I was shocked by a coyote jumping right out of the marsh in front of me. Right after that, I heard a hawk like sound from another direction. I looked up, and saw something chasing and diving really fast. I quickly grabbed the camera and started taking pictures hoping that I was catching something. I really didn't have any time to double check the settings... Luckily I caught this one in motion! I was pretty familiar with hawks because I was watching a Red-tailed Hawk family almost daily at the time. So I knew that wasn't it. When I got home to ID this bird, I said to myself. "Where do I begin...?" His face kind of looked like an American Kestrel at the park, but the tail looks different, and what is the black patch under the wings?? As I was going through all of the possibilities, I thought, Prairie Falcon?? I asked the experts to help me in identifying this bird. It was confirmed that this was a Prairie Falcon. I was so happy that I found another bird of prey!
American Kestrel (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
I had never seen a falcon in my life until I moved to Pahrump. When I think about how little I know about a falcon, I chuckle. I thought they were fast, strong, and big like an eagle or a hawk. I was wrong! I saw this guy at the park, and when I found out this is an American Kestrel which is in the same family as the falcon, I said "this little thing?" They are the size of a dove! I would like to see when one of these guys take down a rat or something! Markings on the face remind me of a football player's markings on their face "eye black."
Unlike the egret at the pond, the American Kestrel is always nice to me. I know exactly which tree to find them in, and they stay there till I come over and take some pictures! They wait for me till I am satisfied. Sometimes they even turn around for me! I want one of them in my yard!
I had never seen a falcon in my life until I moved to Pahrump. When I think about how little I know about a falcon, I chuckle. I thought they were fast, strong, and big like an eagle or a hawk. I was wrong! I saw this guy at the park, and when I found out this is an American Kestrel which is in the same family as the falcon, I said "this little thing?" They are the size of a dove! I would like to see when one of these guys take down a rat or something! Markings on the face remind me of a football player's markings on their face "eye black."
Unlike the egret at the pond, the American Kestrel is always nice to me. I know exactly which tree to find them in, and they stay there till I come over and take some pictures! They wait for me till I am satisfied. Sometimes they even turn around for me! I want one of them in my yard!
Black-headed Grosbeak (Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV)
In western North America, the sweet song of the Black-headed Grosbeak caroling down from the treetops sounds like a tipsy robin welcoming spring. The flashy black, white, and cinnamon males and the less flamboyant females sing from perches in suburbs, desert thickets, and mountain forests. The showy male puts in equal time on the domestic front: both sexes sit on the eggs, feed the young, and feistily defend their nesting territory. (allaboutbirds.org)
This guy seems to have had a little too much mulberries and seeds! When I was researching this bird, I noticed that pictures of the Black-headed Grosbeak were usually more slender! This bird doesn't have to worry about food for a while! Desert National Wildlife Refuge was such a wonderful place for birding. I bet it's a promise land for the birds! No wonder a lot of people go there for birding! It's full of fruit and nut trees, water, wetlands, and big tall trees. Hundreds of songbirds are flying around and enjoying the feast! I learned a lot about landscaping for wildlife habitats by going here.
In western North America, the sweet song of the Black-headed Grosbeak caroling down from the treetops sounds like a tipsy robin welcoming spring. The flashy black, white, and cinnamon males and the less flamboyant females sing from perches in suburbs, desert thickets, and mountain forests. The showy male puts in equal time on the domestic front: both sexes sit on the eggs, feed the young, and feistily defend their nesting territory. (allaboutbirds.org)
This guy seems to have had a little too much mulberries and seeds! When I was researching this bird, I noticed that pictures of the Black-headed Grosbeak were usually more slender! This bird doesn't have to worry about food for a while! Desert National Wildlife Refuge was such a wonderful place for birding. I bet it's a promise land for the birds! No wonder a lot of people go there for birding! It's full of fruit and nut trees, water, wetlands, and big tall trees. Hundreds of songbirds are flying around and enjoying the feast! I learned a lot about landscaping for wildlife habitats by going here.
Western Bluebird (Calvada Eye, Pahrump, NV)
In open parklands of the American West, brilliant blue-and-rust Western Bluebirds sit on low perches and swoop lightly to the ground to catch insects. Deep blue, rusty, and white, males are considerably brighter than the gray-brown, blue-tinged females. Western Bluebirds have a gentle look, but territory battles can get heated. Rival males may grab each other’s legs, tumble to the ground, and then pin their opponent on the ground, stand over him, and jab at him with his bill. (allaboutbirds.org)
I was on location with a friend to take pictures of hawks. Then, all of a sudden- this bluebird appeared. I had "Shiny Object Syndrome" then! I grabbed my camera and said: "Gotta go!" I was after this bird all around the park! Worth the effort! What a beautiful bird! As I was reading about the information about this bird on "allaboutbirds.org" I determined that they are pretty gangster! Although I didn't see any street fights among the blues, this bird was swooping up and down to the ground catching insects! Catch & Rest is what he was doing. I captured him on resting cycle!
In open parklands of the American West, brilliant blue-and-rust Western Bluebirds sit on low perches and swoop lightly to the ground to catch insects. Deep blue, rusty, and white, males are considerably brighter than the gray-brown, blue-tinged females. Western Bluebirds have a gentle look, but territory battles can get heated. Rival males may grab each other’s legs, tumble to the ground, and then pin their opponent on the ground, stand over him, and jab at him with his bill. (allaboutbirds.org)
I was on location with a friend to take pictures of hawks. Then, all of a sudden- this bluebird appeared. I had "Shiny Object Syndrome" then! I grabbed my camera and said: "Gotta go!" I was after this bird all around the park! Worth the effort! What a beautiful bird! As I was reading about the information about this bird on "allaboutbirds.org" I determined that they are pretty gangster! Although I didn't see any street fights among the blues, this bird was swooping up and down to the ground catching insects! Catch & Rest is what he was doing. I captured him on resting cycle!
Vermilion Flycatcher (Calvada Eye, Pahrump, NV)
A feathered ember in a desert landscape, the male Vermilion Flycatcher is exactly what its name says: a brilliant red bird that hawks flying insects from conspicuous perches on shrub tops and fences. Females are delightful in their own way, subtle gray-brown birds with a warm salmon-red blush to the underparts. When male Vermilion Flycatchers court females, they bring gifts: often a butterfly or other flashy insect. (allaboutbirds.org)
This little guy is my favorite. He reminds me of the Angry Birds Character "Red"! But this guy makes me "angry!" It's easy to spot them because of the beautiful red, but they don't know how to stay still! They are pretty small, and fast. A nightmare for me! The next item on my list of things to see is to catch him in the moment when one of the male Vermillion Flycatchers brings a butterfly to his lady!
A feathered ember in a desert landscape, the male Vermilion Flycatcher is exactly what its name says: a brilliant red bird that hawks flying insects from conspicuous perches on shrub tops and fences. Females are delightful in their own way, subtle gray-brown birds with a warm salmon-red blush to the underparts. When male Vermilion Flycatchers court females, they bring gifts: often a butterfly or other flashy insect. (allaboutbirds.org)
This little guy is my favorite. He reminds me of the Angry Birds Character "Red"! But this guy makes me "angry!" It's easy to spot them because of the beautiful red, but they don't know how to stay still! They are pretty small, and fast. A nightmare for me! The next item on my list of things to see is to catch him in the moment when one of the male Vermillion Flycatchers brings a butterfly to his lady!
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
With a golden head, a white patch on black wings, and a call that sounds like a rusty farm gate opening, the Yellow-headed Blackbird demands your attention. Look for them in western and prairie wetlands, where they nest in reeds directly over the water. The male Yellow-headed Blackbird defends a small territory of prime nesting reeds. He may attract up to eight females to nest within his area. The male helps feed nestlings, but usually only in the first nest established in his territory. The other females have to feed their young all by themselves. (allaboutbirds.org)
I certainly know when these birds are at the wetlands when I visit. They are loud, I mean LOUD, and have a very distinct call! Bizarre grinding, buzzing songs. I captured this photo when he was calling. Probably telling me to go away! It is pretty interesting to read about their behavior. "Attract eight females to nest within his area, and only care for the first nest?" Pimps! The loud Pimps! As a female, he lost all of my respect! He gets no love from me! But what can I say... He's still beautiful though... Isn't that how the human world goes, sometimes? Tell me, guys!
With a golden head, a white patch on black wings, and a call that sounds like a rusty farm gate opening, the Yellow-headed Blackbird demands your attention. Look for them in western and prairie wetlands, where they nest in reeds directly over the water. The male Yellow-headed Blackbird defends a small territory of prime nesting reeds. He may attract up to eight females to nest within his area. The male helps feed nestlings, but usually only in the first nest established in his territory. The other females have to feed their young all by themselves. (allaboutbirds.org)
I certainly know when these birds are at the wetlands when I visit. They are loud, I mean LOUD, and have a very distinct call! Bizarre grinding, buzzing songs. I captured this photo when he was calling. Probably telling me to go away! It is pretty interesting to read about their behavior. "Attract eight females to nest within his area, and only care for the first nest?" Pimps! The loud Pimps! As a female, he lost all of my respect! He gets no love from me! But what can I say... He's still beautiful though... Isn't that how the human world goes, sometimes? Tell me, guys!
Yellow-headed Blackbird- Young male (Lake Mead NV)
And this guy, still hasn't learned the game yet. Young guns. I was chasing this "yellow" guy at the shoreline of Lake Mead. I didn't know what he was. I am used to seeing the full grown pimp, all groomed up and dressed nicely, but this one... little rough looking, don't you think? He is a young male. Still has training wheels on. My husband would say: "You got a long way to go, playa!"
And this guy, still hasn't learned the game yet. Young guns. I was chasing this "yellow" guy at the shoreline of Lake Mead. I didn't know what he was. I am used to seeing the full grown pimp, all groomed up and dressed nicely, but this one... little rough looking, don't you think? He is a young male. Still has training wheels on. My husband would say: "You got a long way to go, playa!"
Verdin- Juvenile (Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV)
This bird of hot, dry country is active during the early morning and often becomes quiet and still in the heat of midday. Verdins’ pale plumage often blends well with its arid, pale surroundings, so knowing its song and calls will help you zero in on these tiny birds. (allaboutbirds.com)
This bird of hot, dry country is active during the early morning and often becomes quiet and still in the heat of midday. Verdins’ pale plumage often blends well with its arid, pale surroundings, so knowing its song and calls will help you zero in on these tiny birds. (allaboutbirds.com)
Verdin (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Who is this guy? I was looking for a Lawrence's Goldfinch. I googled what it looked like before I went to the park. I said to myself: " Yellow, gray, and black" hours went by, started to forget what I was actually looking for. Yellow, gray and black little finch! the word "black" disappeared from the list! Everything started to look gray! Then, this guy showed up. I've never seen a Lawrence Goldfinch, so soon as I saw this guy, I asked myself "Is this what I think it is?? Target confirmed??" Wrong answer!! I heard the loud buzzer noise in my head! You know the sound you hear during a quiz show when somebody gave the wrong answer?
Oh how fast this guy moves around! Regardless, this bird was beautiful!
Who is this guy? I was looking for a Lawrence's Goldfinch. I googled what it looked like before I went to the park. I said to myself: " Yellow, gray, and black" hours went by, started to forget what I was actually looking for. Yellow, gray and black little finch! the word "black" disappeared from the list! Everything started to look gray! Then, this guy showed up. I've never seen a Lawrence Goldfinch, so soon as I saw this guy, I asked myself "Is this what I think it is?? Target confirmed??" Wrong answer!! I heard the loud buzzer noise in my head! You know the sound you hear during a quiz show when somebody gave the wrong answer?
Oh how fast this guy moves around! Regardless, this bird was beautiful!
Yellow Warbler (Lake Mead, NV)
In summer, the buttery yellow males sing their sweet whistled song from willows, wet thickets, and roadsides across almost all of North America. The females and immature males aren’t as bright, and lack the male’s rich chestnut streaking, but their overall warm yellow tones, unmarked faces, and prominent black eyes help pick them out. (allaboutbirds.org)
I was fishing with my husband that day... Couldn't catch anything! So I took a nap by the beach, and woke up looking for something to do. I grabbed my camera and started looking for something cool to capture. All of a sudden, I found so many little birds with striking colors, and all of them were so beautiful! One of them was this bird. I have never seen this bird, so I started chasing it. This angle, that angle, far away with zoom lens... So many different ways. He just liked to hide in the salt cedar bushes! If I say I never swear, I would be lying then! He wore me out! But it was so much fun chasing this bird!
I am convinced that birding and photography are more fun than fishing!! Sorry Hubby!
In summer, the buttery yellow males sing their sweet whistled song from willows, wet thickets, and roadsides across almost all of North America. The females and immature males aren’t as bright, and lack the male’s rich chestnut streaking, but their overall warm yellow tones, unmarked faces, and prominent black eyes help pick them out. (allaboutbirds.org)
I was fishing with my husband that day... Couldn't catch anything! So I took a nap by the beach, and woke up looking for something to do. I grabbed my camera and started looking for something cool to capture. All of a sudden, I found so many little birds with striking colors, and all of them were so beautiful! One of them was this bird. I have never seen this bird, so I started chasing it. This angle, that angle, far away with zoom lens... So many different ways. He just liked to hide in the salt cedar bushes! If I say I never swear, I would be lying then! He wore me out! But it was so much fun chasing this bird!
I am convinced that birding and photography are more fun than fishing!! Sorry Hubby!
Anna's Hummingbird (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Hummingbirds have tiny legs and can neither hop nor walk, though they can sort of scoot sideways while perched. Anna's Hummingbirds normally have a body temperature of around 107 degrees Fahrenheit—that's a scorching temperature for a human. When outside temperatures fall, Anna's and many other species of hummingbirds enter torpor. Their breathing and heart rate slow, and their body temperature can fall as low as 48 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature warms, the hummingbirds can become active again in a few minutes. (allaboutbirds.org)
I believe humming birds like to have their pictures taken. On one occasion, I was wearing a bright pink jacket. I was swarmed by the humming birds. I am not sure if they were coming towards me because of my cool pink jacket, or glare from my camera lens was attracting the hummingbirds... It definitely took me some "getting used to" with the hummingbirds. I am scared of moths or any flying insects. Anything that looks like a big moth, I freak out. I have PTSD when it comes to flying insects, because of my childhood experiences. You can ask my husband. We almost got in a car accident because there was a some kind of beetle touched down on my lap! Anytime I hear loud buzz sound near me, I totally freak out! Every time! Hummingbirds are no exception! The buzzing sound from their wings is something that I still have to work on. As soon as I recognize that it's a hummingbird, my anxiety just disappears. Then I can admire how little and cute they are!
Hummingbirds have tiny legs and can neither hop nor walk, though they can sort of scoot sideways while perched. Anna's Hummingbirds normally have a body temperature of around 107 degrees Fahrenheit—that's a scorching temperature for a human. When outside temperatures fall, Anna's and many other species of hummingbirds enter torpor. Their breathing and heart rate slow, and their body temperature can fall as low as 48 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature warms, the hummingbirds can become active again in a few minutes. (allaboutbirds.org)
I believe humming birds like to have their pictures taken. On one occasion, I was wearing a bright pink jacket. I was swarmed by the humming birds. I am not sure if they were coming towards me because of my cool pink jacket, or glare from my camera lens was attracting the hummingbirds... It definitely took me some "getting used to" with the hummingbirds. I am scared of moths or any flying insects. Anything that looks like a big moth, I freak out. I have PTSD when it comes to flying insects, because of my childhood experiences. You can ask my husband. We almost got in a car accident because there was a some kind of beetle touched down on my lap! Anytime I hear loud buzz sound near me, I totally freak out! Every time! Hummingbirds are no exception! The buzzing sound from their wings is something that I still have to work on. As soon as I recognize that it's a hummingbird, my anxiety just disappears. Then I can admire how little and cute they are!
Western Tanager (Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV)
Aren't they so cute!!! Red face, yellow body, black wings, and little white spots! Their red faces look like they had a little too much of the mulberries! Well, he looks like he really had a little too much of everything! Cute chubby thing!
Aren't they so cute!!! Red face, yellow body, black wings, and little white spots! Their red faces look like they had a little too much of the mulberries! Well, he looks like he really had a little too much of everything! Cute chubby thing!
Burrowing Owl (Pahrump, NV)
Burrowing Owls are small, sandy colored owls with bright-yellow eyes. They live underground in burrows they’ve dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. They live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
Before laying eggs, Burrowing Owls carpet the entrances to their homes with animal dung, which attracts dung beetles and other insects that the owls then catch and eat. They may also collect bottle caps, metal foil, cigarette butts, paper scraps, and other bits of trash at the entrance, possibly signifying that the burrow is occupied (allaboutbirds)
I have been living in the town of Pahrump, about 70 miles away from Las Vegas for the past 6 years. I have witnessed this rural town growing and developing! Bad news for these guys. Their homes have been destroyed by the ongoing construction of building single/multi-family housing or developing land for commercial use. In an effort to protect them, we built an artificial home for burrowing owls in our yard! They quietly appear every night around 9:00PM. I sit there under the porch and watch them swoop around the farm catching insects and critters. That makes me smile! They are my farm buddies!
Burrowing Owls are small, sandy colored owls with bright-yellow eyes. They live underground in burrows they’ve dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. They live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
Before laying eggs, Burrowing Owls carpet the entrances to their homes with animal dung, which attracts dung beetles and other insects that the owls then catch and eat. They may also collect bottle caps, metal foil, cigarette butts, paper scraps, and other bits of trash at the entrance, possibly signifying that the burrow is occupied (allaboutbirds)
I have been living in the town of Pahrump, about 70 miles away from Las Vegas for the past 6 years. I have witnessed this rural town growing and developing! Bad news for these guys. Their homes have been destroyed by the ongoing construction of building single/multi-family housing or developing land for commercial use. In an effort to protect them, we built an artificial home for burrowing owls in our yard! They quietly appear every night around 9:00PM. I sit there under the porch and watch them swoop around the farm catching insects and critters. That makes me smile! They are my farm buddies!
Cooper's Hawk (Discovery Park, Pahrump, NV)
Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Finding a Cooper’s Hawk is typically a matter of keeping your eyes peeled – they’re common but stealthy, and smaller than other common hawks like the red-tailed, so your eye might skip over them in flight. Look for the flap-flap-glide flight style and remarkably long tail to zero in on these birds in an instant. (allaboutbirds.org)
My mentor says to me " You need to keep your camera with you wherever you go..." Now my husband says the same thing. But what do I do? Total opposite! Every time I get in my husband's truck, hawks fly by, owls are out there, donkeys, coyotes, meth heads, crazy looking women in the Walmart parking lot... list goes on! This day, I was at the park, looking for cool birds to capture. I looked up one at one of the tall trees, and there we go! Bingo!! A Hawk! He stayed for a long time for me. I was very happy!
Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Finding a Cooper’s Hawk is typically a matter of keeping your eyes peeled – they’re common but stealthy, and smaller than other common hawks like the red-tailed, so your eye might skip over them in flight. Look for the flap-flap-glide flight style and remarkably long tail to zero in on these birds in an instant. (allaboutbirds.org)
My mentor says to me " You need to keep your camera with you wherever you go..." Now my husband says the same thing. But what do I do? Total opposite! Every time I get in my husband's truck, hawks fly by, owls are out there, donkeys, coyotes, meth heads, crazy looking women in the Walmart parking lot... list goes on! This day, I was at the park, looking for cool birds to capture. I looked up one at one of the tall trees, and there we go! Bingo!! A Hawk! He stayed for a long time for me. I was very happy!
Lurking on Red-tailed Hawks
I have a story! My mentor (Tom) and I watched this Red-tailed Hawk's nest from their chicks being little fuzz balls, to actually being able to fly, eventually leaving the nest. Tom is a seasoned photographer with a lot of knowledge about local wildlife. He has a birdbath in his backyard, and all kinds of birds of prey just stop by and take a bath. As a bird of prey lover, I wish all kids of hawks and eagles would stop by my yard, but that does not happen all the time, unfortunately. I have a big garden which is big enough to consider a farm with a pond, so I have different types of birds visiting me daily. I get burrowing owls, killdeers, cooper hawks, and sometimes night hawks. One day, somebody posted a picture on Facebook stating that there is a Red-tailed Hawk nest at one of the parks. I called Tom, and we went to see what that's all about. Since then, we routinely visit this park, and check on the hawks. Tom calls that "Lurking on hawks."
When we go Hawk lurking, we go early in the morning when the birds are most active. Sometimes we sit there for hours waiting for some action. Sometimes we get a surprise visit. Wild horses! Sometimes people we have never met before, but recognize us because of the Facebook posts about the hawks approach us with questions. It's truly an amazing experience. Through this "hawk lurking" experience, I learned a lot about them.
Most impressive thing that I have witnessed was how the parent hawks protect their babies. Pahrump is only 50 miles away from Death Valley, so you know it gets really hot around here! Under the scorching sun, the parent hawk, probably the mother spread the wings to cover their chicks from the sun to keep their babies cool. Then I thought about reality... humans... we often hear sad news about parents neglecting or killing their own children. Leaving the young ones in the car, going shopping or gambling. Killed her own child and left him in the desert, or child abuse... What a shame. Even the hawks know how to take care of their babies. Why can't humans be more responsible and raise their children right? There is no excuse for that kind of behavior.
Hawks are not a common bird in Japan, so I didn't know much about them. Images of hawks to me are like big, strong, aggressive, and dangerous! Well, I think I still agree, but I learned that they are so much more than that. We saw how parent hawks shows juvenile hawks how to use their wings, watching them closely when juvenile hawks are practicing flying. It was definitely a wonderful experience. Every time I walked underneath the nest, a parent screeched- telling me to go away. Sometimes they'd fly around their nest to see what I was doing! Of course, they don't know that I am a good guy... Parents are very protective!
Over the course of their breeding season, I watched them grow. Every time I visited their nesting park, I 'd hope that they are still there. The last time I saw them on the nest, they started to fly short distances like from one tree to another. That was the day that I saw their feathers falling down from the sky. I knew it was time to say goodbye to them. It made me a little sad. Every now and then, I visit the same park wondering if they are still there. Of course they are not, but today, I saw two Red-tailed Hawks at another park nearby. It looked just like the Juvenile Hawks. I believe it's them. Pictures below, I believe they are all one family. I was glad that they were still alive and hanging around.
I love watching National Geographic, or any TV programs that talk about nature, and I always feel like I am learning something new. But when I actually encounter something this awesome, and learn about their habitat first hand, that's an experience that I will never forget, and something that I will cherish forever.
- Kozue Maye (6/25/2021)
I have a story! My mentor (Tom) and I watched this Red-tailed Hawk's nest from their chicks being little fuzz balls, to actually being able to fly, eventually leaving the nest. Tom is a seasoned photographer with a lot of knowledge about local wildlife. He has a birdbath in his backyard, and all kinds of birds of prey just stop by and take a bath. As a bird of prey lover, I wish all kids of hawks and eagles would stop by my yard, but that does not happen all the time, unfortunately. I have a big garden which is big enough to consider a farm with a pond, so I have different types of birds visiting me daily. I get burrowing owls, killdeers, cooper hawks, and sometimes night hawks. One day, somebody posted a picture on Facebook stating that there is a Red-tailed Hawk nest at one of the parks. I called Tom, and we went to see what that's all about. Since then, we routinely visit this park, and check on the hawks. Tom calls that "Lurking on hawks."
When we go Hawk lurking, we go early in the morning when the birds are most active. Sometimes we sit there for hours waiting for some action. Sometimes we get a surprise visit. Wild horses! Sometimes people we have never met before, but recognize us because of the Facebook posts about the hawks approach us with questions. It's truly an amazing experience. Through this "hawk lurking" experience, I learned a lot about them.
Most impressive thing that I have witnessed was how the parent hawks protect their babies. Pahrump is only 50 miles away from Death Valley, so you know it gets really hot around here! Under the scorching sun, the parent hawk, probably the mother spread the wings to cover their chicks from the sun to keep their babies cool. Then I thought about reality... humans... we often hear sad news about parents neglecting or killing their own children. Leaving the young ones in the car, going shopping or gambling. Killed her own child and left him in the desert, or child abuse... What a shame. Even the hawks know how to take care of their babies. Why can't humans be more responsible and raise their children right? There is no excuse for that kind of behavior.
Hawks are not a common bird in Japan, so I didn't know much about them. Images of hawks to me are like big, strong, aggressive, and dangerous! Well, I think I still agree, but I learned that they are so much more than that. We saw how parent hawks shows juvenile hawks how to use their wings, watching them closely when juvenile hawks are practicing flying. It was definitely a wonderful experience. Every time I walked underneath the nest, a parent screeched- telling me to go away. Sometimes they'd fly around their nest to see what I was doing! Of course, they don't know that I am a good guy... Parents are very protective!
Over the course of their breeding season, I watched them grow. Every time I visited their nesting park, I 'd hope that they are still there. The last time I saw them on the nest, they started to fly short distances like from one tree to another. That was the day that I saw their feathers falling down from the sky. I knew it was time to say goodbye to them. It made me a little sad. Every now and then, I visit the same park wondering if they are still there. Of course they are not, but today, I saw two Red-tailed Hawks at another park nearby. It looked just like the Juvenile Hawks. I believe it's them. Pictures below, I believe they are all one family. I was glad that they were still alive and hanging around.
I love watching National Geographic, or any TV programs that talk about nature, and I always feel like I am learning something new. But when I actually encounter something this awesome, and learn about their habitat first hand, that's an experience that I will never forget, and something that I will cherish forever.
- Kozue Maye (6/25/2021)
Red-tailed Hawk (Calvada Eye, Pahrump, NV)
This is probably the most common hawk in North America. If you’ve got sharp eyes you’ll see several individuals on almost any long car ride, anywhere. Red-tailed Hawks soar above open fields, slowly turning circles on their broad, rounded wings. Other times you’ll see them atop telephone poles, eyes fixed on the ground to catch the movements of a vole or a rabbit, or simply waiting out cold weather before climbing a thermal updraft into the sky.
The Red-tailed Hawk has a thrilling, raspy scream that sounds exactly like a raptor should sound. At least, that’s what Hollywood directors seem to think. Whenever a hawk or eagle appears onscreen, no matter what species, the shrill cry on the soundtrack is almost always a Red-tailed Hawk. (allaboutbirds.org)
This is probably the most common hawk in North America. If you’ve got sharp eyes you’ll see several individuals on almost any long car ride, anywhere. Red-tailed Hawks soar above open fields, slowly turning circles on their broad, rounded wings. Other times you’ll see them atop telephone poles, eyes fixed on the ground to catch the movements of a vole or a rabbit, or simply waiting out cold weather before climbing a thermal updraft into the sky.
The Red-tailed Hawk has a thrilling, raspy scream that sounds exactly like a raptor should sound. At least, that’s what Hollywood directors seem to think. Whenever a hawk or eagle appears onscreen, no matter what species, the shrill cry on the soundtrack is almost always a Red-tailed Hawk. (allaboutbirds.org)
My Bird Collections