Hi All,

Well Natasha was watering the yard today and took twice as long as normal due to an influx of birds rarely seen in our backyard. She had to keep stopping and take photos. A lifer for us was a pair of Hooded Warblers - even a better lifer as it was in our backyard.

Another bird is also a lifer - probably. We are having a hard time and the birding software we used came up blank. The picture in which the bird is hanging upside down suggests some type of woodpecker/sapsucker but I am drawing a blank too as the beak doesn't fit. Also I think it is a tad too small. Anyone have any ideas?



Thanks,

Gary and Natasha,
Harlingen, TX
Zone 9



Cameras:
Nikon D300
Digital Rebel (6mps)
Digital Rebel XT (8mps)

Lenses:
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 IS USM
Sigma APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL
Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

That's a Worm-eating Warbler, Gary, which barely makes it into Texas on the eastern side, according to my National Geographic guide. A great yard bird, and one that took me years of looking to finally find!

Jill

Benton, ME
Canon Digital Rebel XT
Canon EF70-300 F4-5.6 IS USM

It doesn't get much cooler than a Worm-eating Warbler in the yard. Given your location you will eventually compile a dazzling yard list.

Definitely a worm-eating warbler. Lucky you!

Patti--Zone 8
Mobile, AL

Thanks so much. I guess the software didn't pick this one up as I limited the search to Texas. I guess I will uncheck this option during migration period!

Gary and Natasha,
Harlingen, TX
Zone 9



Cameras:
Nikon D300
Digital Rebel (6mps)
Digital Rebel XT (8mps)

Lenses:
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 IS USM
Sigma APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL
Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

I had Worm-eating Warblers as summer residents in Missouri but Hoodeds were hard to come by. Congratulations on both.

Thanks Peter,

Yes they are hard to come by and most sightings have been recorded in the "Birder Hotspots" of South Texas. So for us to get both in our urban backyard make them even sweeter - we saved the gasoline money!

Gary and Natasha,
Harlingen, TX
Zone 9



Cameras:
Nikon D300
Digital Rebel (6mps)
Digital Rebel XT (8mps)

Lenses:
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 IS USM
Sigma APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL
Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

No Gary, You saved on Petrol.

Alan~S Cal

Congratulations I've never seen either but would love to and the pictures are wonderful!

sarah merion station, Pennsylvania zone 6B

Too funny Alan but I think if I was still back home that would probably read diesel...

Gary and Natasha,
Harlingen, TX
Zone 9



Cameras:
Nikon D300
Digital Rebel (6mps)
Digital Rebel XT (8mps)

Lenses:
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 IS USM
Sigma APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL
Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

Gary, How about too skint to drive.?

Alan~S Cal