BD Birding: Even More Texas Photos

What was originally supposed to be a near-contemporaneous accompaniment to my Texas trip last April has now become a nostalgic walk down memory lane! But seeing these pictures finally edited and posted does make me yearn to travel once again. Here is my next installment of photos from Big Bend and the Davis Mountains. Some may appear blurry when downsized, so click on any photo to see a larger, clearer version.

Bell's Vireo, on top of things

I thought I had discovered the first record of a Blue-winged Warbler at the Sam Nail Ranch in Big Bend!

It turned out not to be, but I didn't hold it against him.

The same bird from the previous photo...

Now why'd you have to go playing in the mud and ruin that nice new plumage of yours?

Another surprise...a striking Prothonotary Warbler!

Playing coy

...But not for long

Pine Siskin almost blending in with the branches

This is a subspecies of Tree Lizard called the Big Bend Tree Lizard.

Strangely enough, I encountered him...in Big Bend...on a tree.

Just taking in the sun

Female Vermilion Flycatcher, on a nest!

With hungry mouths to feed!

Western Wood-Pewee, giving the evil eye

Say's Phoebe

Black-chinned Sparrow

A thorough read through my lizard guide revealed that this guy is a Plateau Spotted Whiptail, found only in the Big Bend region of Texas and adjacent Mexico!

That rusty-red rump distinguishes him from all other whiptails.

You can see his white "spots" within the black stripes.