We had another strong storm move through the area very early this morning, and by 9:00 the sun was out, but there were strong winds and even stronger wind gusts. Almost all of the smaller birds were hunkered down, but I was still able to log 27 avian species this morning, including my first of season Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. I heard one of the Louisiana Waterthrushes and one of the Pine Warblers where I have been photographing them this week, but they must have been hanging on for dear life, and did not venture out where I could see them. The male and female Bluebirds that had been using the bird box near the soccer field that a Black Ratsnake had invaded the other day, were out on a branch and looked okay, but I don't know if there had been any eggs in their nest.
Male and female Eastern Bluebirds
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers
Immature Red-winged Blackbird
The highlight of the morning was watching a pair of Northern Flickers hanging on in the winds. They must have been using their tail feathers for balance.
Female Northern Flicker
Female Northern Flicker
Male Northern Flicker
Male Northern Flicker
Male Northern Flicker
Male Northern Flicker
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers