hunting

There was a sizable group of vultures on a raccoon carcass right in the middle of lateral ditch this evening, a very high traffic area. No idea how it got there hopefully it isn't poisoned. In many parts of the world vultures prevent diseases from spreading between mammals by the consuming carcasses before a contamination can spread. Feral dogs often catch serious illness from carcasses that these big birds are immune to.

This Swainson's hawk looks a lot like a coopers, this one has a nest nearby. I must admit I need to learn more about this species. I will likely learn more as I watch those chicks grow.

There are many kingfishers in the area right now, they make a lot of noiseas they jostle for the best fishing spots.

This snowy egret is hunting in the shallow cattails. There are also the smaller cattle egrets in the irrigated fields, hunting for different sorts of insect or worms that are distrusted by the flooding.

There are several coots at the bosque beach. Right now, the beach is not reachable without getting wet, so these birds have some privacy from the constant human traffic. The water levels are already dropping though as the "pulse" drops off from the dam release.

This mallard has an unusually large bill and could be a hybrid. This species hybridize readily.

this duck is a shoveller species, likely a cinnamon teal. And not found very often in this area, they are usually pretty shy and appreciate some space, especially from loose dogs.

These very common birds are increasing in numbers steadily. I have yet so see any nests yet.

This say's phoebe is sheltering under the eaves of our house. Most bird roosts can be spotted by a pile of poop under the location.

The variety of wasps is beginning to increase. I don't know yet what species this one is, but it's a little more...assertive.

This weird insect is a snakefly. It has remained mostly unchanged since it's ancestors were first fossilized 140 million years ago.

Here is the first bullfrog of the season, there must be many others out in the waters, but their camouflage and avoidance behaviour is pretty good.

The numbers of muskrat is increasing as they become bolder. They seem to eat a heck of a lot of vegetative matter.

These flowers are from the tamarisk, a very invasive species. Now, it is (sort of) protected as a critical habitat for the yellow-bellied flycatcher. This bird could now be endangered by its removal as nest habitat.

This little flower is in the speedwell family. Apparently they taste like watercress. Luckily most of us don't need to find out, but this plant is often used for food by many butterfly larvae during the spring and summer.