We stayed out on the boardwalk just a very short time on this one hiking trail. Too hot, too humid to enjoy it much. Besides, there were nearly no birds or activity going on in this area of town; Hans Suter Refuge and Oso Bay. As we turned around from the observation platform to return to the car, we heard a scissortail flycatcher somewhere high above in the trees. Bud, my oftentimes spotter, found it first. For me, this species is one of the most elegant looking birds around Texas!! There were two of them, frolicking just above the tree top and into the tallest part of the tree, over to the power lines, then back into the tree tops. I was just so excited to see ANY bird activity that day, I remained focused on the flycatchers and took a dozen photos. Also, in one photo, someone else was trying to butt in on the act...a ruby throated hummingbird [click on any image to enlarge for better viewing].
Did you know:
...the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is Oklahoma's State Bird and it also graces the Oklahoma State Quarter [25 cent piece]
....that the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher uses refuse from humans such as string, cloth, paper, carpet fuzz, and even cigarette filters in constructing their nests? In fact, in a Texas urban area, scientists found that artificial materials accounted for 30% of the weight of nests!!
Sounds a lot like the cactus wren we had in our back yard in Tucson...they're nests were also brimming and overflowing with human products, jutting from one of our saguaro cactus some years. Even Christmas wrapping paper once!!
...the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is Oklahoma's State Bird and it also graces the Oklahoma State Quarter [25 cent piece]
....that the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher uses refuse from humans such as string, cloth, paper, carpet fuzz, and even cigarette filters in constructing their nests? In fact, in a Texas urban area, scientists found that artificial materials accounted for 30% of the weight of nests!!
Sounds a lot like the cactus wren we had in our back yard in Tucson...they're nests were also brimming and overflowing with human products, jutting from one of our saguaro cactus some years. Even Christmas wrapping paper once!!
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER
photos taken: Hans Suter Refuge - Corpus Christi, Texas
habitat range: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
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this is gorgeous images of a gorgeous bird. I have seen it a brief moment. From inside a bus. And of course the guide did not want to stop as "there will be lots of them" later on. Problem was, they never came again. I love your images and envy you the sighting. :)
ReplyDeleteThe bus driver's comment makes me think of how Bud was also, BEFORE he 'got into birding along with me'.
DeleteI could not believe my eyes the first time I ever saw this bird! (And I bet you know where we were then!). Your pictures are wonderful.... Flight shots fill me with envy. But a happy kind of envy. Thank you for hosting!
ReplyDelete...and most times, at least for me, flight shots are quite a challenge. Yep, I can guess where you spotted your first one. LOL
DeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week-end!
Lea
...Thanks Lea, and have yourself a merry weekend too.
DeleteHello Anni, great captures of the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. I assume it is the male with the pretty salmon pink color. They are beautiful. I hope to see one someday! Great post, thanks for hosting. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen...hope you get to see/photograph them someday too.
DeleteNo wonder you wanted their pics - beautiful!
ReplyDelete...they are very attractive birds...especially comparing them to OTHER flycatchers.
DeleteWonderful serie of photos !!!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend !
...thank you Ela
DeleteI remember seeing one near High Island many years ago but your photos are far superior to my pre-digital record snap.
ReplyDeleteCameras have come a long way....and especially recently...the detailing is phenomenal.
DeleteOoo Anni, your Scissortail Flycatcher photos are fabulous! I grew up in Texas and studied biology there, and the Scissortails were always one of my favorites, but I only got to see them while driving up to Waco or Dallas, glimpses from the car. So your photos are wonderful, and show off the colors on their bodies as well as their forked tails.
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by today Hannah. I loved your silkies in your post today. And y'know what? As many times I've been in Texas before we moved here to the coast, I have never been to Waco.
DeleteThat's an awesome species that I'd just love to get to grips with Anni. Such interesting facts about their nest construction which set those bells ringing in the old grey matter. What did the flycatchers use before man came along with his string, cloth, paper, carpet fuzz, and cigarette filters?
ReplyDeleteAren't birds such brilliant creatures in adapting to their environment?
I'll leave you with that nesting conundrum for now. Enjoy your weekend.
They ARE a gorgeous species indeed. But, now you got me a'thinking just how they constructed their nests without our trash. LOL
Deletei love the scissortails. :)
ReplyDeleteI do too! They're so pretty!
DeleteGood morning, Dearest Anni (I just woke up p:-)
ReplyDeleteOh My!!! When I first read the title with sleepy eye, you got me confused, until reading the name of this bird(*^_^*) "Scissor-tailed Flycatcher"; Oh, I wondered if the states in America have coins with different designs. Another finding for me through blog land♬♬♬
Visiting your another site later having breakfast;
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
I Googled about coins and found about "50 states quarters program" Yey, another knowledge and may be interesting to know the design through picture page later♡♡♡
DeleteGood morning Miyako!!
DeleteI'm happy to know you enjoyed the photos and it's good to know that you appreciated the bits of trivia
I am so thrilled to see your amazing photos of the scissortail flycatcher! It was always one of my favorite birds when we lived in Texas, and I didn't get any good photos. These are just wonderful! I am so glad you saw them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie...yep, Texas has a great deal of these beauties!!
DeleteSuch beautiful photos! Next best thing to seeing them in real life! I watch - but I seldom SEE!
ReplyDelete...you being in Texas, I'm sure you see quite a few. Thanks Linda.
DeleteBeautiful lean bodies make the fly catchers look alert and smart. Thanks for the info about their interesting nest materials.
ReplyDeleteThanks...it's amazing what a bird will use for constructing their nesting areas.
DeleteA very beautiful bird Anni and your sereis of shots are very good
ReplyDelete...thanks Margaret
DeleteThey are certainly so graceful. I love the scarlet accents and soft pink. They rarely show up as far north as Illinois and same for Florida. I saw many in Dallas when we lived there and more recently where our son lives in the Texas Panhandle. Never have gotten photos as beautiful as yours.
ReplyDeleteI too love the colors of the males....they're so sophisticated. One of my favorites. And I would think they'd be in Florida at least...guess not. I learn something from you all the time!! Thanks Ken.
DeleteBeautiful photos! Such lovely birds :-)
ReplyDeletethanks Lisa!!
Deletegreat captures and so much movement in them!!! and the facts, nope, didn't know any of them!!! have a happy sunday!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this post Debbie...thanks, and have a happy Sunday also.
DeleteThey are real lookers. We always throw out cat fur for nesting birds. We have nesting wrens right now. But they vetoed the fur!
ReplyDeleteI've been known to toss out dryer lint.
DeleteThanks Sharon
Scissortails are so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThese birds are very difficult to photograph. What wonderful images. I had no idea there was that bit of red under the wing. Miss seeing them so much. They were all around us in Dallas and sadly I took them for granted. Wish they'd migrate a little more east. :) Truly a magnificent and elegant bird.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful bird. I especially like the pictures you captured. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI'm from OK and I never get good shots of the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. When I realize there's one there, they're off!! Such beautiful birds and one day, I'll capture one....on camera.
ReplyDeleteOh such glorious photos.
ReplyDelete