Desert Dweller Winter Colors

[c.j.]

CJ's Desert Dwellers:

Curve-Billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre

Family: Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

Size: 23-28cm (8-9in)

Curve-Billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre is the most common desert thrasher. Distinguished from other thrashers that have well curved bills by the mottled breast.

It's range is the southwestern US into central Mexico, inhabiting deserts and arid brush.



These birds, like a lot of desert dwellers, also make their nests in cactus.This Curve-Billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre is perching in a Cane Cholla Opuntia spinosior. Their nest is located in a Teddy Bear Cholla Opuntia fulgida nearby and consists of a large mass of twig sized sticks with a large cup depression. It is lined with feathers gleaned from the area.

They have quite a unique note a whit-wheet sound delivered sharply and distinctly. (It sounds like the whistle sound humans make to get attention). It's song is very musical, with a series of notes and phrases that can go on for quite a time. Some say it resembles a grosbeak, others a mockingbird call, without the repitition.

Canon Rebel XTi
Canon Lens EF 300mm 1:n IS L
Canon Extender 1.4 II
Handheld
Full frame - no crop



Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

Family: Emberizidae (Grosbeaks)

Size 19-23 cm (7.5 - 9 in)

Male (pictured) is an all red bird with a pointed crest and a black patch at the base of its heavy red bill. Females are buff brown with some red on the wings and tail. Immature birds and females are often confused with Pyrrhuloxia Cardinalis sinuatus. Bill detail is important for id, here. A Pyrrhuloxia bill is more yellow and is shaped like a parrot beak, as opposed to the Northern Cardinal looking like 'two triangles' stuck together.



Their song is a variable series of clear and slurred notes, repeated "what-cheer cheer cheer"

Canon Rebel XTi
Canon Lens EF 300mm 1:n IS L
Canon Extender 1.4 II
Handheld
cropped

Broad-billed Hummingbird Cyanthus latirostris

Male (pictured) is dark green above and below with a blue throat. The bill is bright red with a black tip. Females identified by a combination of the red bill and pearly unmarked throat and thin white line behind the eye.



Usually migratory in nature, this guy( and a couple others of his species) have been over-wintering for a number of years.

Canon Rebel XTi
Canon Lens EF 300mm 1:n IS L
Canon Extender 1.4 II
Handheld
cropped

All taken Monday December 18 at my place.

A lot of birds are around and I'll try to get more in the coming days.

[Ironworker02]

Nice shots,really like the humming bird

[Knight]

All Superb Captures C,J Cant choose a favorite love them all

[paulnj]

That cardinal is my favorite due to the fact I can't get one to stay still for me

[Copy_Kot]

Wow! More great images C.J. I like all of them!

[Loupey]

Excellent work, man!

I like the cardinal for the contrasting colors within the frame.

[karen m.]

C.J.
Great shots!

[Bevb]

Great images of 3 beautiful birds, no favourites, all brill!

[c.j.]

Wow…I'm flattered!!!!!!


Thanks!!!!!!



I'll try to get some more this week

[barb_48]

Wonderful color and detail, I do prefer the cardinal though.