(Anthus rubescens)
Enjoying the warmth of a S. Texas afternoon,
this lone arctic/alpine breeder
was nonplussed by my presence.
I guess she figured if she stayed a few
steps ahead of me, she'd be all right!
Feeding on insects, she was comical to watch as she flitted around the
matted, dried grasses, pumping her tail in perpetual motion.
It was difficult to capture a clear picture because she never sat still.
None of the shots of her in the grass were clear enough to post.
But, further along I came across several small flocks
of these little doves, feeding in the grass.
I'd practically be on top of them before they'd flush,
lifting barely 2 feet off the ground,
in groups of up to 7 or 8 individuals.
They'd land just far enough to be out of my way.
When they flew, under their wings was a pretty copper color.
They are
(Columbina inca).
Did you know that "a group of doves has many collective nouns, including a "bevy", "cote", "dole", "dule", and "flight" of doves"?
For those of you who read my post about the young man who went missing prior to Christmas, I have happily updated that post.
Please re-visit to see how lucky he and his family truly are.
They certainly have reason to celebrate a New Year!
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19 comments:
Birds are fun to watch. Your little pipit looks like she is enjoying her stroll too.
Wonderful shots, Karen. I wonder if birds are less afraid of humans when they (the birds) are in the south because they aren't breeding there.
I enjoyed this sequence very much. It's so much fun to watch the birds and observe their behavior. Happy New Year!
With everyone getting back into the daily routine, it is nice to see someone still has free time.
Great bird shots.
Beautiful Little Pipit Karen.
Great bird! Do you think she's goose-stepping in the first photo?
Wonderful pictures, Karen. This little bird certainly seems sure of herself,like she's marching down the street and then checks to see if you're still there. What fun you have! Nola
I didn't know there were so many collective nouns for dove. Wonderful photos.
Nothing better than going out for a walk with the birds.
the first photo really made me smile. It actually looks as if it was out for a stroll. :) The dove is new to me. :)
Karen: Neat photos of the neat water bird. I had a dove by the bird feeder yesterday and it didn't fky away. It just walked under the deck.
Great shots and what a fun walk.
Darryl and Ruth : )
It does look like its out for stroll. Thank you for the update on the missing man...
We have morning doves here in Iowa, I love listening to them, great pics.
Sweet birds!
The Pipits are a pain to photograph :-D
Always in action ;)
And the dove looks like it's related to our Turtle dove. Beautiful feathers!
KaHolly, what a nice post and a nice walk. I have not seen a pipit in a long time. You were on the right track with your dove but it is an Inca Dove instead of the Common Ground Dove. The ground dove has a short square tail and still has a few of the spots on its wings like a Mourning Dove has. However, the Inca Dove is well known for having this all over scaly pattern to its feathers and it also has the ruddy color under its wings when it flies. Immature Mourning Doves can look scaly but they are larger, without the ruddy color under their wings and they also have the dark spots on their wings. Very nice shot though. I used to see Inca Doves quite freguently when I lived in the Tucson area.
Thank you, Kathiesbirds! You are absolutely right! I figured it out while I was off camping this past week, and when I ret'd to this post to correct myself, I found your comment. I so appreciate your help!! ~karen
Karen,
Inca Doves are the sweetest looking birds! They sit real close together in trees and lift their wings to show each other the salmon-colored undersides. I love their call too: whirl pool! whirl pool!
I keep looking for pipits across the road in the field, but so far no luck--just lark sparrows.
Kay
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