What Bird Is That Forum

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Wet your beak! The Hummingbird Bar is open.

:lol: This would have been a Thanksgiving celebration attended by my three younger sisters and my wife and I at Mom's ranch in Gillespie County Texas a few miles south of Fredericksburg. I wish I had a video or a pic of the scene. I was refilling my wineglass at the sideboard when I spied a wild Tom ...

Why does this American Robin have white markings that I do not see on other examples of the species?

American Robin in Spring

Another pic from later in the day and taken from a shorter distance provides more detail.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124304610 ... ted-public

That is one possible identification. I will keep it in mind. I often see the Woodhouse's Scrub Jay in my backyard during the summer months. This would be an unusually early arrival for that species. On the other hand, this year's February weather (although variable) has been unusually warm and I ...

I saw the Ruby-throated Hummingbird again today. I would definitely classify him as a winter resident exemplar of the species rather that an early arrival of the spring migration. The last sighting was several days ago when the afternoon sun illuminated his red throat. I have posted several ...

I am fairly competent at identifying the usual avian visitors to my backyard. This one has me stumped.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/124304610 ... ed-public/

On occasion the best shot of the day is despicable. Murky light from fully overcast sky is my excuse. Nevertheless, I believe the pic documents an
American Robin presence in Central Texas during the month of February. You can argue with the proficiency of the image taker. You can't argue with the ...

House Finch in February
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I saw the Ruby-throated Hummingbird again today. I would definitely classify him as a winter resident exemplar of the species rather that an early arrival of the spring migration. The last sighting was several days ago when the afternoon sun illuminated his red throat. I have posted several ...

I commonly see Ruby-throats in early March on their spring migration.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124304610 ... ed-public/

I maintain and replenish hummingbird feeders in all twelve months of the year. I have been rewarded with sightings of Rufous and Anna's Hummingbirds in previous winter months. This January (of 2026) I had my first observation of a mature male specimen of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

I find it ...

I think it's a male Ruby-throated but wait for confirmation.

I've found sugar water doesn't freeze until about 27 degrees. I'm trying to remember to bring my feeders in after dark and get them back out at dawn.


You are correct in identifying the bird as a mature male Ruby-throated Hummingbird ...

Human curiosity about avian reciprocity?

Good point on the freezing temp of sugar water. Thank you.

Why would a female bird feed a bird of another species? https://www.flickr.com/photos/124304610@N07/54489983986/in/photolist-xE6UkQ-CuQLgt-CFxyd4-Hstjnk-TMo8Hw-WhuLoY-2e3DxKG-2gw3BNw-2ksLxdY-2kyskG6-2kysYyd-2mjanyy-2mWput2-2oNtRZf-2oNvSJr-2p4G1Ds-2r26pQw-2r27oWy :?:

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Charlie Spencer wrote: Fri Jan 16, 2026 11:42 am

TexasCobra wrote: Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:18 am I do not consider myself a birder.

Is it okay if some of us consider you an honorary birder?

Either way, your photos rock!

Honorary is a fine distinction. Thanks for the comment on my photos.

Three of our four canines are AKC champion Bouvier des Flandres. The fourth is still a puppy and has yet to enter the show ring. Her time will come. Thanks for the reply

The pics were taken after the ice storm that began last Friday night. It is now Monday morning and was 20 degrees F when I arose.

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My username on the Whatbird site was TexasCobra. I have chosen to retain that identification on this site. I am primarily a photographer of birds and other wildlife from my location in the Central Texas Hill Country. I also pursue subjects such as weather, sky, landscape, garden, pool, motorsport ...