Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bosque Bill on February 25, 2013 at 6:17pm

That first photo is of a Black Phoebe. They are common most of the year, generally not far from water, such as the irrigation and drainage ditches. They have a white belly in contrast to their black sides, back and head.

The other photos are Western Wood-peewees, also fly catchers as you noted. They migrate through Albuquerque and you'll see them for maybe a week in spring and/or fall. In summer they are at elevation, such as the Jemez Mountains. They're fun to watch.

Permalink Reply by Debby S on February 25, 2013 at 6:25pm

Thanks for the more correct identification :D  They both have similar head shapes, so that's what made me think they were part of a flock of the same kind of bird. Perhaps being about the same size and having about the same dietary habits, they hang out together, and maybe the Phoebe had a mate nearby.  I suspect the one on the fence was watching for any mosquitos or other insects that like water (in the irrigation ditch), while the ones in the trees a bit to the east were grabbing gnats and other grass-loving flies.  Of minor interest is that these little birds were only a few blocks from the bushtits I saw on Feb 17th (though the bushtits were smaller). I think everyone likes that park and the adjoining golf course -- lots of trees both in the bosque setting and in neighborhoods and access to water.

 

Permalink Reply by Skip on February 26, 2013 at 3:51pm

Nice photos and spots, especially the Western Wood peewee since they are only seen here the couple of weeks they are passing through.  It's great to have Bosque Bill watching our posts and helping us out.

Permalink Reply by Debby S on February 26, 2013 at 6:33pm

I know that if I post a picture of an unknown bird, odds are very good he'll be able to identify it and give us some of its history and habits so we'll be able to identify it again later.  Sometimes my pictures aren't very helpful due to the bird being shy or busy or having something other than modeling for my camera on its mind, but Bill Knows Birds, so no bird can stay unidentified for long!