Black is black....

In a song from years ago, Los Bravos reminded me of the bird color of choice this week. Black is Black:

I mentioned last week, I had planned on sharing some of the Springtime Migratory birds and then with the sighting of the Frigatebirds, I changed my mind. Well, this week, I'll catch up a bit...

...with this particular bird species during breeding season:






BRONZED COWBIRD [female 1st photo, male 2nd photo, last photo both]
photos taken: Blucher Park - Corpus Christi, Texas
habitat range:

TRIVIA:

Cowbirds are brood parasites [laying their eggs in other birds' nests!]

Male eyes turn red during breeding season...otherwise bronze/brown

...this next share is one I spotted in the Spring only by chance while walking the birding area of Calallen, Texas, I heard the beautiful, unique song. The song, so unusual, lured me to stop and make use of the binoculars from a distance. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was another bird I wanted to photograph only because I had seen its picture in all my birding books -also being a bird found ONLY in South Texas, and this would be a 'first'. But it was a real booger to capture through the lens. Right after I spotted it in the tree tops, well hidden by lush branches, I had to move around to get it in focus. It flew off, naturally! I followed with my eyes in hopes it wouldn't fly too far. It landed in another crop of trees about 50 yards from where I stood. This was my only chance in getting a photo. I walked...trying to sneak up on it. When I got close enough, it left again!! But just to another branch, deeper within the same tree. This is the ONE photo I got of it before it left to places unknown:

GROOVE-BILLED ANI

photo taken: Hazel Bazemore Park - Calallen, Texas

habitat range:

TRIVIA:

The Groove-billed Ani is a tropical species that reaches the United States only in pasturelands and open country of southern Texas.

Its membership in the cuckoo family is revealed by its two-toes-foreward, two-toes-back foot arrangement.

The Ani lays their eggs in one communal nest.

The conclusion of the black colored birds this week are a lot more common. Seen throughout the year.



BLACK NECKED STILT
photo taken: Charlie's Pasture Refuge - Port Aransas, Texas
habitat range:





BOAT TAILED GRACKLE
photo taken: Leonabelle Turnbull Refuge - Port Aransas, Texas
habitat range:





BLACK VULTURE
photo taken: Goose Island, near Rockport, Texas
habitat range:



...zoomin' in on the face of one only a mother could love! Seriously, this photo gives me the willies---




TURKEY VULTURE
photo taken: Hans Suter Wildlife Refuge - Corpus Christi, Texas
habitat range:

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