Pied-billed Grebe –foraging Podilymbus podiceps October – Texas L=13” ...... WS=16” ...... WT=1 lb Order: Podicipediformes (Grebes) Family: Podicipedidae (Grebes) The Pied-billed Grebe is a secretive bird with a loud and reaching call that is frequently heard before the bird is spotted. They are seldom seen in flight during the day since they prefer to avoid danger by diving or sinking from view. The sinking is accomplished by expelling air from the area between the feathers and body and from air sacs. Grebes are strong swimmers due to the unusual ability of their feet to rotate 90 degrees between the power stroke and the recovery stroke. This is different from all other families of living birds. In this picture the two grebes were diving for food and every 3-4 minutes they would swim to each other, chatter for about 20 seconds and then dive again.
Eastern Screech Owl – Sleeping and watchingMegascops asioJune – Texas L=8.5”...... WS=20” ...... WT=6 oz Order: Strigiformes (Owls) Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls) Eastern Screech Owls are small owls that roost and sleep during the day and are likely to rely on camouflage for defense during these times. While hard to find in daytime they will, if found, let humans come very close before fleeing. These birds “played possum” in the dense bushes and allowed the photographer to approach within 2 feet.
White-winged Dove – RestingZenaid asaitica March – Texas L=11.5” ...... WS=19” ...... WT=5 oz Order: Columbiformes (Pigeons and Doves) Family: Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) White-winged Doves are a flourishing species that are expanding their range north and eastward from Mexico and from southern Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. They appear to have benefited from increased human populations in the Southern U.S. as increased agriculture, ornamental trees, and bird feeders have provided additional feeding and nesting sites.
