The Scissor-tails returned here a few days ago and I got my first pics today. This guy definitely has one long tail!
I'll try to get some more as time and opportunity permit.
Anyone else have any Scissor-tails or pics of them?
OK state bird, BTW.:)
Another angle displaying that long tail.
VERY long tailed individual!
Saw several in Texas on my USA trip, but didn't have a digital camera then, so no pics. One of the birds that was high on my 'must-see' list before I went.
Resin
Great pics red! They are beautiful birds!
Absolutely, long, long tail and a beautiful State bird!
That would be a sight to see. Wonderful state bird.
Those are beautiful shots of a bird I love to see!! They are now fixtures in our area in the summer and I love to watch them follow the tractor when I am raking hay. They swoop down and go after the bugs that are stirred up.
Okay Resin or anyone else, WHY do they need such a long tail?
The males do a 'sky dance' to attract females--- and you know-- size matters. :)
*giggle*
I think this is the same bird I shot yesterday. A little different location, but on the same field.
Well, Mr. Longtail has a mate and she seems to like to perch on my shepard's hook in the back yard. A pair sat out there quite a bit last year. They would use it as a lookout point to spot grasshoppers, dive off and grab them, return to the hook and bang the insects on the iron hook to dispatch them.
Woodcock do a 'sky dance' for mating & they are a thicker bird with a short tail.
Gorgeous bird and nice pics red!
When they come in for a landing, they display a beautiful scarlet red in their armpit area. I'll try to get a pic. If I'm out on the patio, I'll keep my cam set for a burst and see if we can get him. It may take until September. :)
Woodcock do a 'sky dance' for mating & they are a thicker bird with a short tail
PS . . . don't forget BirdFiles for those pics! http://davesgarden.com/guides/birdfiles/go/237/
;-)
Resin
I haven't visited the Birdfiles, Resin. I went over and posted a comment and pic. Thanks for the heads up.
Your State birds are adorable!!!
We can see the woodcock dance in early evening. They certainly do twitter, then drop in silence & call from the ground. Great fun to watch--although no pictures. I suppose someone would record the sound, as Cornell U. has done.
Thanks!
Resin
I love hearing the Woodcock making their funny sounds at night...I hear them and I just know Spring is here!! Started hearing them earlier this week.
OH I just love Scissor tailed flycatchers!! I just started seeing them here last week also. I was shrieking in the car when I first spotted one, believe me! No pics because I always see them on power lines when I am driving somewhere.
I was sneaking around the house to get a shot of some Waxwings, when I inadverdently ran across Mr. Longtail coming in for a landing on a utility box. It was one of those point and shoot deals. Out of focus, but shows the red markings under the bird's wings that are only visible when they are flying. Note how he uses that long tail for an air brake. Maybe I'll get a better shot, maybe not. :-)
Neat!
A couple of shots from today. I was down by the pond trying to get a shot of a Great Egret, the local Crow bullies were harrassing the egret, when the Scissortails moved in and sent the Crows for cover. They are fearless, routinely chase the crows and hawks.
Preening.
Bravehearts!!! And a beauty at that! Thanks Red for the nice picture.
The male visited my hook in the back yard again today. He has no interest in the feeders, just a place to perch and look for bugs. He was really laid down on the hook today. Note the color of the Indian Paintbrush in the field behind him.
he's too cute.
OMG! I finally saw one up close!!! A rest and stretch stop before driving North through the Ozark mountains in a McDonalds parking lot, Conway, Arkansas. It had a nice place to perch and watch for bugs. It would swoop out to get one and go right back to the perch so we got to watch it for a long while. It's perch was only 15 feet above ground and only 15 feet from the parking lot. What neat birds! Sure wish I had a camera with me!
Great all around shot red!
Very nice shots of Scissortails. Would love to see one of those.
I love the scissortails. I've been seeing them on the powerlines while driving for the past few weeks too. The other day there were 4 of them all dancing over an intersection as I was going through the light. I had to make myself keep driving (I was making a left turn) rather than stopping in the middle of the intersection to watch and try for some pics, lol.
What wonderful birds, Red. Extravagant tails.
