Welcome to Amarillo! I drove 10 hours to attend the TOS birding extravaganza... and it was worth it even though somewhat cold. As I drove through town trying to find my hotel, I noticed these black-tailed prairie dogs in an abandoned field in the middle of town. I have since learned that the thriving colonies of prairie dogs, which once numbered approximately 400 million residents, are now reduced to nearly only 1% of their former population. Their decline has also caused the decline of Burrowing Owls, who also use their tunnels. I had hoped to see the Burrowing Owls on this trip but did not.
First morning of birding and we were off to Lake Meridith. This "lake" was once Amarillo's main water supply. Well it is now a dying lake, and it was heartbreaking to see this. It used to be 90' deep, which is just an incredible volume of water that has disappeared as the drought takes its toll with other factors. Now coyotes roam around there and snatch birds and fish from the edge. Many birds congregated around the few places where water could be found, so it was good for birding.
I learned it was tough to operate the camera when it was 20 degrees, as my fingers froze without gloves! I didn't notice the cold when I saw the Bald Eagle nearby.
Another dried up river!
The city parks had water, and here I found many kinds of ducks and geese, including these Buffleheads.
Everyone was excited to find a NORTHERN shrike here - sorry I didn't have my scope to get a better shot.
Palo Duro Canyon is the 2nd largest in the US, and a beautiful state park.
Somehow the birds are surviving. The rock wren didn't seem to mind all the photographers!
A Sage Thrasher was up in the tree tops!
I have to take a deep breath as I see the photos again, it was a beautiful place for sure!
The 2nd wren of the trip was this Winter Wren, who refused to come out of the brush.
The woodpeckers didn't mind that many of the trees were dead - this is the golden fronted woodpecker.
Who can resist the Black Crested Titmouse? They were everywhere.
There were several Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, also.
Now this means business!
That's a lot of bull! I would not want one of these longhorns mad at me.
Who knew Amarillo had so many Mountain Bluebirds?
Gorgeous!
We drove out to the dusty agricultural fields, or I should say what is left of them, and found a Lark Bunting on this tree cholla cactus.
The eastern Meadowlark also wanted his picture taken!
We found an old farm with a small pond, and birds were flocking to the water. Here is a Say's phoebee.
Nothing like the sight of the Golden Eagle flying overhead! Woa!
The area was full of Chihuahuan Ravens. The landscape reminded me of the deserts of the middle east!
Back at the city park, the ducks were not shy. Here is a mallard with an American Widgeon!
These make a handsome pair!
I was so thankful to enjoy this beautiful sunrise as I was driving back home! I had seen 99 species.
PS I do not recommend taking photos with one's iphone when driving 70 m.p.h. in the near dark but it was too cold to stop and get out :) ... don't try this at home!
What fun to ride on the ferry when there is not a long wait! There was a traffic jam of boats in the channel, and lots of birds.
Today I tried to cheer myself up by going to the park to watch more birds. Well, actually the Killdeer was watching me...
They are so cute.
Along the Parkway I found a "raft" of Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks.
Since the rain last week, my marsh has filled up with water - and Green Winged Teal!
The closer I get, the better he looks!
The Harrier would fly over now and then, and the whole group of ducks would take off.
I can't say that I would blame them.
I also saw pintails, blue winged teal, mallards, and this Northern Shoveler.
The Kestrels were also perched on patrol.
This one caught what I think was a mouse.
It didn't look right - a pine tree full of Monk Parakeets?
These landed 10 feet from me!
They are almost a neon green underneath.
It is amazing how green everything turned with our 2" of rain last week.
I knew a walk in the park would do me good!
