Bird of the Week: Orchard Oriole

Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius Compiled by Liam Molina   Orchard Orioles are the smallest orioles in North America, identifiable with their sharp, pointed bills. Males…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Northern Parula

Northern Parula Setophaga americana Compiled by Liam Molina   The Northern Parula is a small warbler, and can be difficult to spot as it tends…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week – Yellow-throated Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons   Content and photos by James Giroux I live in Southwest Austin on a greenbelt, and I get a pretty good sampling of migrants and…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: The Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) Compiled by Lisa S. Graham.    The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a small forest raptor known for its lightning-fast flight and surprise attacks on smaller birds….

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: The Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Compiled by Liam Molina   The Cedar Waxwing is a frequent visitor you might spot in your backyard or through your binoculars. Beautifully…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: The Downy Woodpecker

Downy woodpeckers Picoides pubescens Compiled by Niyati Acharya Downy Woodpeckers are small versions of the classic woodpecker body plan. They have a straight, chisel-like bill, blocky…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Golden-cheeked Warbler

Golden-cheeked Warbler Setophaga chrysoparia Content and photos by James Giroux The iconic Golden-cheeked Warbler is iconic for good reason. It is the only North American bird that exclusively…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Hermit Thrush

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Compiled by Liam Molina   The Hermit Thrush is a small, plump bird that is known to make a stop in Texas in…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: The Elf Owl

Elf Owl Micrathene whitneyi Compiled by Niyati Acharya   The Elf Owl is an insectivorous species of the arid habitat.  It breeds in the Sonoran…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Compiled by Liam Molina   Named for its distinct ruby-red throat, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a common sight in woodland and brushy habitats….

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Harris’s Sparrow

Harris’s Sparrow – November Harris’s Sparrow Zonotrichia querula   Content and photos by James Giroux   Weighing in at 1.3 ounces, Harris’s Sparrow is the largest Sparrow in North America -…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: House Wren

House Wren Troglodytes aedon Compiled by Lisa S. Graham   The House Wren is a small, energetic songbird that brings lively music and bold personality to…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: American Crow

American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) Compiled by Niyati Acharya   American Crows are large, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices. They are common sights in treetops, fields, roadsides,…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow – May Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Content and photos by James Giroux   It’s sparrow season in Central Texas!  And topping the list of one of our most…

Continue reading

Bird of the Week: Winter Wren

Photo Credit: Brad Imhoff – Macaulay Library Winter Wren Troglodytes hiemalis Compiled by Liam Molina   The Winter Wren is a small, round, plump bird most…

Continue reading