Bird tails

Can you guess what bird this tail belongs to?



These pictures are from Estero Llano Grande State Park. This was our favorite place to visit when we were in the Valley.


Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)
A tiny diver of the American tropics.


Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
Note the bubblegum pink legs!

The Estero Llano Grande World Birding Center was built for birding. There is a wonderful deck that sits right on the water. There are lots of ponds, some with boardwalks around and across them.

Any guesses yet?


Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus)
The Long-billed Dowitcher prefers fresh water. Feeds by probing deeply in the mud with its bill. A common saying is that "Dowitcher's are down stitchers." When they are feeding they look like little sewing machines!


Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula)
A close relative of the Mallard. A major threat to their survival is the release of numerous pet Mallards in the southeast. These feral birds interbreed with Mottled Ducks, diluting the wild population.

Have you figured it out yet?


Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata)
The orange feathers on its head are almost never visible.


Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
Our smallest dabbling duck.

Okay, here he is, no more guessing:



Did you guess a Sora (Porzana carolina)?


Sora's are not often seen. They spend most of their time hidden in dense marshy growth or wet meadows.
Sora's have declined in many areas due to loss of freshwater marsh habitat.


The end.