Featured Nature Photos
Carpenter bees are traditionally solitary bees, though some species "have simple social nests in which mothers and daughters may cohabit. When females cohabit, multiple females either share in the foraging and nest laying, or one female does all the foraging and nest laying, while the other females guard." MORE PHOTOS at MaysPublishing.com
Originally desert-dwelling, white-winged doves "have expanded into Texas, Louisiana, and as far as Idaho and Maine. They are now common sights in cities, suburbs, and backyards, often visiting bird feeders for seeds. They are gregarious and often feed in large flocks. They are monogamous breeders for at least the season. During courtship, males may perform displays like flapping up and gliding down in circles or bowing and fanning their tails."
After dining on fish or other marine animals, cormorants spread their wings in the sun. I'd always thought it was to dry their wings, but there's some controversy. "Some sources state that cormorants have waterproof feathers, while others say that they have water-permeable feathers. Still others suggest that the outer plumage absorbs water but does not permit it to penetrate the layer of air next to the skin. The wing drying action is seen even in the flightless cormorant, but not in the Antarctic shags or red-legged cormorants. Alternate functions suggested for the spread-wing posture include that it aids thermoregulation or digestion, balances the bird, or indicates the presence of fish. A detailed study of the great cormorant concluded there is little doubt that it serves to dry the plumage."
Mockingbirds are "famous for their loud, continuous, and varied songs. A male Northern mockingbird may learn up to 200 different songs in its lifetime, incorporating diverse sounds it hears in its environment. Unmated males often sing throughout the night during the breeding season. They are known for being fiercely territorial, aggressively defending their nests and young by chasing away intruders, including much larger animals and even humans. They also perform a 'wing flash' display, where they half-open their wings in jerky steps while on the ground, which may help startle insects into moving." MORE PHOTOS
A Great Egret along Oso Creek. Once nearly hunted to extinction for their elegant plumes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the species has made a significant comeback due to conservation efforts. They can be found throughout most of the United States, with year-round populations especially common along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. (Animation made from photos I took) MORE PHOTOS
Three turkey vultures and two black vultures on a street light near Oso Creek during the recent freeze. I don't recall seeing black vultures very often. As per Google AI summary, "they don't have the superior sense of smell of turkey vultures and follow the turkey vulture to find food" when times are tough. This would seem to explain their appearance during the cold. Maybe they stay when spring comes. MORE PHOTOS.
Cardinals are widely considered a sign of good luck, hope, and spiritual connection, often seen as messengers from loved ones in heaven, bringing blessings, joy, and vitality, with some traditions suggesting luck within 12 days of sighting one. Their vibrant red color against winter snow also symbolizes hope and the promise of spring. MORE OF MY PHOTOS
The Crested Caracara mates for life. They often return to the same nest to lay eggs and raise the babies. The male shares in child care. They eat both live and dead prey and will often follow vultures to poach their food.
