My classroom has no exterior windows and if I get busy, it’s easy to go a whole day with no idea of what the weather is like outside. This time of year, however, it’s beautiful and so, I’ve taken to going for walks around the building. It’s good to get out for some exercise and even more fun to see what kinds of wildlife I can identify. Today, I brought my camera.
I’ve been especially fascinated by the killdeer around the building. Initially, it was its call that caught my attention, and so I stopped to discover these noisy shorebirds that live nowhere near shore. Apparently their natural habitats are parking lots near fields and golf courses.
When I go for my walks, I always look forward to getting around to the west side of the building where they like to congregate in the drainage ditch, which this one discovered helps make him especially photogenic.
I see mockingbirds all the time, and today, I actually managed to get a picture of this one.
I’d like to try to get one displaying the white flashes on its wings, but that will take a bit of patience.
Finally, I saw this scissor-tailed flycatcher hanging out waiting to be photographed.
I’ve seen these birds all over the place around here, but I never knew what they were until today. The tip-off, of course, was when I saw one catch a fly in midair, his scissor-like tail streaming behind him. Now that I know what he is, I get to add him to my list.
In addition to the three I photographed, I also regularly see barn swallows, turkey vultures, white-winged doves, and some kind of hawk that I haven’t been able to name yet, although, I didn’t see him today.
It’s a funny thing walking around the building. Looking outward, I see birds, wild and free, filling me up with enough of the outdoors to go back in for the rest of the day, and all of it surrounding a building full of juvenile offenders. I wonder what they think about when they see the birds outside, or if they even notice them at all.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
Nice title, James~ and your bird catches are cool. I haven’t seen a kildeer here, but there’s usually a mockingbird around, and we’ve occasionally seen the Scissortails.
My bird list of what’s seen in the yard is close to yours, but last summer I was thrilled to catch a Painted Bunting near the patio, in a very blurry but memorable photo. I wish you the same luck in your bird sightings.
Annie the Garden Blogger
James, what kind of camera do you use? Really great photos.
Oh, and you’ve got an assignment over at my blog. Tag, you’re it.
Annie, I think it’s those rare strangers that happen along that make it so interesting.
George, Thanks. I use a Nikon D50. And I’ll have that assignment out next week.
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