Pic of the Day

Green Jay, Cyanocorax yncas:  Bentsen State Park, Texas

     Though I shot this image a Bentsen State Park, the Green Jay is a common bird through out the Rio Grand Valley.  In every park and refuge I went, I found the Green Jay to be a loud vociferous bird that ruled the roost.  Well, at least the feeder. 

     This bird was perched on a branch just above a feeder where it typically would alight before dropping to the feeder.  The predictable behavior made it quite easy to get photographs of this beautiful Neotropical species. To learn more about birding at Bentsen State Park go to: http://www.theworldbirdingcenter.com/Bentsen.html

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/320 second. @ f6.3

Pic of the Day

Green Jay, Cyanocorax yncas;  Bentsen State Park; McAllen, Texas

     I spent the last three days in McAllen, Texas birding in the Rio Grande Valley; the number one birding destination in the USA.  There are thirty-nine species on the ABA (American Birding Association) check list that can only be found in the valley.  On my short, fast paced stint I saw at least a dozen or more of those specialty species.   Ten of those specialties were lifers that I saw.  The Green Jay is not only an exotic, but it is also the official bird of McAllen.  I shot this Green Jay at Bentsen State Park, just southeast of the center of town.  McAllen is a birder's paradise, and a "must," destination for any birder, or those who just love to watching birds.  
Follow this link to learn more about birding at Bentsen State Park: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/160 sec. @ f7.1