Those Feisty Cormorants

 

Of the many birds I saw today, on my lengthy walk, the feistiest one were the gangly-looking cormorants. This was a first-time sighting for me. It's not hard to believe that they have a bit of a bad reputation, partly due to there aggressive nesting habits.

I took a bit of artistic license and added a splash of color and depth to the rather plain photo of these moody critters. I like the way it turned out. Here's the original.

The Amazing Catbird

 

One of my first-time sightings at the SPI Convention Center, the day that I helped out with placing the oranges around, was the amazing catbird!

I was very taken with it and couldn't help following him around for quite some time.

This striking bird is also known as the slate-colored mockingbird...

and is named for it cat-like call.

Visiting Birds

 

I was finally able to see a few of our new visitors. I had been seeing pictures of them popping up on local birding sites but had yet to see a few of my favorites - the summer tanager and the indigo bunting, to name a few. But I saw them today at the SPI Convention Center. 

There are all kinds of warblers and orioles showing up as well. 

The Cape May warbler showed up as well - a new one to me. 

Also, the black-and-white warbler showed off a very classic look. 

. . . before it flew away!

I was glad to see the Northern Parula again, especially against a backdrop of bottlebrush trees. 

A very nice day . . .

A Pretty Spot

 

Today is a rather melancholy day for me. Memories. But this little garden spot at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is a pleasant distraction.

I was hoping to find some pretty little songbirds, but they all flew away as I walked up. I guess I'll have to learn to walk more softly. But it makes a pretty background. Maybe someday I can use it to practice composites - taking some birds with plain backgrounds and transplanting them in this beautiful space.