Verdin

There's another Presa to the north of Tequis, and, after work yesterday, I jogged over to check it out. It's much more picturesque, set in amongst the mountains and surrounded by steep, cactus covered slopes.

Lacking vegetated sides and any wader scrapes, though, the birdlife there doesn't match up the the Presa Centenario. The lake itself still held the odd American Coot and a flock of 60 Wilson's Phalaropes (how many must pass through this area!). On the banks, a herd of cattle was attended by 30 Cattle Egrets.

Of more interest were the small birds flitting through the cactii on the slopes. A group of 12 Lark Sparrows. Cactus Wrens seemingly everywhere. And a noisy flock of 30 Bushtits cruising through. Best of all, though, a tiny grey bird with a yellow head and dark lores chipped away from a nearby bush. It was a Verdin, a small tit-like desert loving species, and a nice addition to my list.