Noticing xxviii - birds of Big Bend National Park

In April I will be spending a week with my sisters-in-law in and around Big Bend National Park in southwestern Texas (my first visit to that great state). I've been doing the research into lodgings, birding spots, and—a splurge—a birding (and herps) guide, Big Bend Birding and Photo Tours. Today I sent off our deposit for two half-days and one full day of birding delight (the latter to see the little warbler at the bottom of this page).

Here are some of the more special feathered friends we may be seeing, if the timing is right:

Greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus). Photo by NPS/Amy Gibson

Mexican duck (Anas diazi). Photo by Ryan O'Donnell

Mexican jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi). Photo by Jason Vassallo

Varied bunting (Passerina versicolor). Photo by Curtis McCamy

Lucifer hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer). Photo by Greg Lavaty

Black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). Photo by Cameron Rutt

Colima warbler (Leiothlypis crissalis). Photo by Rick & Nora Bowers

Why are they all looking to the right? Except that mind-of-its-own hummingbird!