Fallout!

The wind shifted last night and the temperatures plummeted. This morning we first went to the Convention Center and started seeing lots of species.

This was only some of the people who showed up.

Indigo Bunting

Young male orchard oriole

Warbling vireo

We also spotted a Blackburnian warbler but he was so flitty, I didn't get a picture.

We then went over to the Sheepshead lots where carloads of people were starting to accumulate.

We no sooner got out of the car and we started seeing all kinds of birds.

Black-throated green warbler

Hooded warbler

Baltimore oriole

Black-throated green warbler

Eastern wood-pewee

We took photos of each other for posterity. It was only 14C this morning so we really had to bundle up.

Eurasian collared doves

The painted bunting was all puffed up, I assume for warmth

I caught the young, transitioning male summer tanager and the adult having some kind of discussion.

Very briefly, some scissor-tailed flycatchers flew in.

Then another with a queen butterfly in its mouth.  I didn't get that shot, unfortunately.

 I did, however, get a closeup on the immature, male summer tanager.

This one seemed to be at the end of the transition phase as well.

Worm-eating warbler

Northern parula

By the time we left to grab some lunch, cars and mini buses were parked all over the place.

Looking west on Sheepshead St.

Looking east on Sheepshead St.

Palm warbler

Next thing I know, a bunch of folks were walking to the west side of the lot and looking across the street at the wooden fence. There, a lesser nighthawk was snoozing, right on top of the fence. Another lifer for us!

Lesser nighthawk

 It stayed there all afternoon and later rested on the other side of the fence on the cross-piece that the pickets are nailed to. Only its head was showing. It was still there when we left at 7:30pm.

Cactus flowers

Red admiral butterfly

Yet another palm warbler

After lunch and naps, we returned to Sheepshead for Round 2 today.

Eastern wood-pewee

Golden-fronted woodpecker drinking out of the hummingbird feeder

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Baltimore oriole

Summer tanager

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Skip saw several indigo buntings feeding on the ground in a neighbouring yard.

White-eyed vireo

More summer tanager shots

Baltimore oriole shot taken during the 'golden hour'

Transitioning male Baltimore oriole

Common yellowthroat

 After 11 hours (counting lunch and naps), we packed it in. Today was the most amazing birding day we've ever had. It is totally the reason that we stay down here into April. We have one more full day here, then we pack up the car for the trek home.