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Bird of the Week: Common Raven
The intriguing Common Raven has accompanied people around the Northern Hemisphere for centuries, following their wagons, sleds, sleighs, and hunting parties in hopes of a quick meal. Ravens are…
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Bird of the Week: Mississippi Kite
The Mississippi Kite is an uncommonly graceful and elegant raptor. Like toy kites, these smoky black and gray birds seem to defy gravity, drifting on air currents…
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Bird of the Week: Killdeer
For many landlocked birders, the Killdeer is the only shorebird they are likely to see at home. Their name comes from the loud and insistent cry they…
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Bird of the Week: American Coot
The American Coot is a nearly ubiquitous presence on bodies of water across North America, from prairie potholes to urban ponds. These red-eyed, chicken-sized birds float like…
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Bird of the Week: Wood Duck
Boldly patterned and brightly colored, the Wood Duck is a beautiful and distinctive bird, similar in appearance to its Chinese cousin, the Mandarin Duck. Wood Ducks are members of…
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Bird of the Week: Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbird The mockingbird is our state bird, and it’s not hard to see why Texans might feel an affinity for this brash, talkative songbird. The Aztecs called…
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Bird of the Week: Black-capped Vireo
Black-capped Vireo The Black-capped Vireo is one of two endangered species of birds that breed in Central Texas, the other being the Golden-cheeked Warbler. The smallest vireo in…
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Bird of the Week: American Kestrel
American Kestrel Weighing in at about 4 ounces, the American Kestrel is our smallest falcon, as well as our most common. Kestrels’ small size represents a great advantage…
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Bird of the Week: Red-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo The strident, tireless song of the Red-eyed Vireo–one listener reported 22,197 songs by a single male in one day!–is a common sound in summer, and a…
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Bird of the Week: Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret Smaller and more delicate than the Great Egret, to which it bears a passing resemblance, the Snowy Egret is easily distinguished by its black bill and…
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Bird of the Week: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are a common sight in summer–though their beauty, both in flight and at rest, is anything but common. The bird’s long, forking tail–often longer…
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Bird of the Week: Painted Bunting
Painted Bunting The male Painted Bunting is almost too beautiful to be believed, looking as if he has just flown out of a Matisse painting. His blue head…
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Bird of the Week: Summer Tanager
Summer Tanager The Summer Tanager is our only completely red bird, making it easy to distinguish. However, it tends to spend most of its time high in the…
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Bird of the Week: Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpeckers are conspicuous residents of any woodland they call home, both visually and vocally. With a crisply striped black back and vibrant red cap, these…
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Bird of the Week: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a beautiful and hyperactive little bird, sometimes mistaken for an insect due to its small size and ability to remain stationary while…
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