This little cutie is a Cassin’s Kingbird. They show up in early spring here and stay until – well, they’re still here. Their numbers seem to increase until a certain point in the summer, and then gradually decrease until we don’t have any by winter. They are insect eaters, so that makes perfect sense – they are without a doubt following their food.
We have quite a few of the Western Kingbirds as well – but they seem to arrive later and leave much earlier. Since we have been here – almost exactly three years now – I’ve seen exactly one Eastern Kingbird.
I’ve moved from a place where I used to see Eastern Kingbirds all the time, to a place where Western Kingbirds, and Cassin’s are the rule. Instead of Mourning Doves, we have White-Winged and ridiculous numbers of Eurasian Ring Necked Doves. (We do get a few of the Mourning Doves during migration – I saw one about a week ago – I miss them). The Fox Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos are just passing through and are several shades darker in color here. OTH I saw a post the other day at another blog saying they just got their White Crowned Sparrows back but they are further north and higher up than we are. We have them year round – although more it seems as it gets cooler. We also have the striking Black Throated Sparrows year round. Did you know they have the sweetest little song? I had never seen either of these birds before we came out south and west.
Instead of BobWhite Quail we have both Cottontops (Scaled Quail) and Gambels. Since I think the latter two are incredibly cute I’m happy with that exchange. They look like little wind up toys as they zip here and there, their little headdresses bobbing merrily. We still have RedTailed Hawks, although they are a little different color here – a bit faded looking. As winter goes on though – the bird of prey list will get longer and longer with some really exciting possibles like Gyrfalcons and Golden Eagles. Not to mention the Great Horned Owl who is already making his presence known.
I’ve traded rare and shy White-Tailed Deer for fairly common Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, and the occasional Oryx. Red fox for Grey and Desert Fox. Pretty as the Red Fox is – Grey Fox can climb a tree like a cat (I’ve seen it!) and the rare sighting of the delicately pretty Desert Fox is a treat indeed. I’ve finally caught two glimpses of the Bobcat, and I have not left my River otters, racoons, or Beaver behind – but I’ve also gained Ring Tailed Cats, and Badger. Lots more of the attractive striped skunks with a sprinkling of the spotted skunks! Squirrels have gone from red tree dwellers to silver and black rock dwellers. Meanwhile I’ve gained darling spotted ground squirrels and the cute Kangaroo rats who remind me so much of pet gerbils grown large. Ground hogs are still with me, too. And for all I’ve gained, I do seem to have lost Muskrats but it may be that I just haven’t not seen them.
Another favorite I miss is the Great Blue Heron. About this time of year I will see one or two, either on the Rio Grande or maybe down here on our little lake. With any luck, I’ll see a flock of Coots on the lake at some point, and various visiting sandpipers including my old pal the Killdeer who used to be almost a daily feature of my life.
Yep, there are a lot of differences in the nature watching to be had from a green, wet, windy riverside in Oklahoma to the high Chihuahua desert. Viva la difference!
