A Birder's Life for Me

Christmas in April?   I've heard of December.  I've heard of July.  But, April?   Well, when you're in the Christmas Mountains of Texas, it's pretty much Christmas every day.

We started just after dawn at the Christmas Mountains Oasis.  Carolyn Ohl-Johnson and her family have done an amazing job over many years in creating a bird sanctuary from the desert so folks like me can get Christmas presents in April.

Our top target was the Crissal Thrasher.  We have been looking for this bird on trips to Texas and Arizona for the past four years.  Today, we finally got it at the oasis.   

The Crissal's sharply curved bill is one of the features that distinguishes it from other thrashers such as the very similar and more easily photographed Curve-billed Thrasher.

Not a lifer but, I got my best pics of the Lucifer Hummingbird.

And, another present was my best photos of Scaled Quail.

In addition to the Crissal Thrasher, we picked up two more life birds today.  The Gray Flycatcher; also at the oasis...

... and a Zone-tailed Hawk a bit further north.

Yesterday, we hiked about 9.5 miles in Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park in search of a Colima Warbler.  We didn't find the warbler but we did manage some stiff legs from the hike that featured a 1,900 foot elevation gain with a corresponding decent.  It's been awhile since we have done that.  And, although the legs are temporarily a little worse for the wear, it felt great to get back on the trails again.

Meanwhile, back in Key West...  Chip is keeping the man cubs busy by making them take inventory of their toys.

And, in his spare time, Henry waits with his prized worm for the day Papa returns to take him to Publix to get some Hot Wheels.  Just 3 more days, Henry!