...Yellow Bird --

"...You can fly away, in the sky away. You're more lucky than me. Wish that I were a yellow bird, I'd fly away with you."  The words you just read are part of lyrics from a Chris Isaak song, "Yellow Bird". These birds were very abundant in the park the other day when we were there. Their songs carried from a far distance, and if you ever hear their call, you'll know right away what species it is. Their song is so very similar to their name ---'kissss kah DEE'. Very strong, loud, and at times a bit thunderous. Especially when there are dozens within the area all at once. Anyway, on this particular day and time I was in the park, several seemed to follow me...at first I thought I was chasing them...but in all reality I think they were chasing ME...protecting their territory which I was invading!! Perhaps they thought they were hiding behind their masks...but I saw 'em. Great Kiskadees are gorgeous creatures. Both when posing for the camera and when in flight. The bright yellow breast is stunning. And the rusty wings in flight are something to behold, and the prominent black and white mask is defining. And with the close up images I was able to capture you can see by the small feathers atop their beaks, is a tell tale sign they are flycatchers. All in all, I think for the feathered friends and me...it was a game of hide and seek....or 'get the heck outta our space, lady!!'

GREAT KISKADEE

photos taken: Blucher Park - downtown Corpus Christi, Texas

habitat range: Great Kiskadee

TRIVIA:

For U.S. birders, Great Kiskadees belong to a suite of South Texas specialties, along with Green Jays and Altamira Orioles—birds with mostly tropical ranges that extend just north of the Texas border.

The Great Kiskadee is one of the largest and most boisterous members of the tyrant flycatcher family.

...now it's time for you to share your birding experiences: