The Tequisquiapan Rounds

An interesting day today. Plenty of migrants around and some singing resident birds, which are a lot easier to see now than at any time since last summer. There's some dry woodland close to Presa Este, and I stumbled into some great mixed flocks. There were at least 6 Black-throated Gray Warblers in the woods, also a number of Audubon's (Yellow-rumped) Warblers and 3 Nashville Warblers. These birds were joined by the obligatory Blue-Grey Gnatcatchers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

Variety was provided by this bird below..

The last time I'd seen this species was in September. Now I had 5 more individuals. This was verging on the ridiculous, or should I say 'Verdin' on the ridiculous...?

Bird of the day, though had to be this cheeky character. A Hermit Thrush, flushed from the undergrowth. I fired off a quick record shot.

I picked up some other species, more typical of the arid scrub. Roving parties of Black-eared Bushtits were a nice bonus. Also, singing and displaying Phainopeplas and Cactus Wrens were everywhere. Abeille's Orioles and Vermilion Flycatchers were also conspicuous today.

On the water of Presa Este were similar numbers of Ruddy Ducks and Shovelers as seen on my last visit. They don't call Ruddy Ducks 'stiff-tails' for nothing..

A post lunch walk around La Laja (Fuentesuelas Lagoon) turned up good variety of ducks and waders. Also present Crested Caracara, Black-shouldered Kite and a new (but not glam) bird to my Tequis list...Common Moorhen!

The pic below shows some great variety...Stilts, L.B.Dowitchers, Legs, and many Least Sand.

Below are some close-ups. Can you name all 3? First and last are easy, and anyone who has paid attention to recent postings will get the middle!

Assorted Waders, Fuentesuelas Lagoon, La Laja, Tequis.