Western Kingbird and More

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My dad and I went exploring a few weeks ago and found our lifer Western Kingbirds.  They were roosting in a tall tree.  Although they were pretty skittish around us, one was out on a lower branch and didn’t notice us getting closer.  So we got some nice shots of him.  I even got him swallowing a berry.  For once my lifer shot wasn’t terrible…

Western Kingbird
Western Kingbird

A small flock of American Robins flew in and out of the treetops.  These were the first robins I’d seen up close this winter.  Usually we have large flocks of them in our oak tree around my house, but not this year.  They must be hiding with the Cedar Waxwings, who also haven’t been visiting us. :(

American Robin
American Robin

As my dad and I stood watching the kingbirds, a small Blue-gray Gnatcatcher hopped around in the tree right in front of us.  He didn’t want to sit still to have his photograph taken.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

A Blue-headed Vireo showed up to say hello, but he stayed hidden in the branches of a tree.  This was the best shot I got of him.

Blue-headed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo

An American Kestrel showed up to the party, but he was far out in the fields.  I begged him to come in closer, and he didn’t.  This Red-bellied Woodpecker posed for me instead.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

It was a fun expedition with my dad.  We’ll have to do it again soon! :)

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One thought on “Western Kingbird and More

  1. Wonderful images! Congratulations on the life bird!

    Western Kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are routinely visible along Cox Road east of Bartow just at sunset when they gather to roost in the citrus grove. (I know, NOW I tell you……)

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