Saturday, July 12, 2014

Summer on the Katy Prairie

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The Katy Prairie isn't as busy with birds at this time of year as it is, for example, in winter but even a short drive will usually turn up a nice selection of species.

You're sure to see lots of Northern Mockingbirds, and many of them will be juveniles.



You'll certainly see Mourning Doves also.



Eurasian Collared Doves are an increasingly common sight. Although an invasive species, they don't seem to be adversely affecting our native birds, or at least not yet.



Where this water you are almost certain to see Great Egrets and you may also see Black-necked Stilts (below).






Many open grassy areas will have Killdeer but you may also see Common Nighthawks (below) sitting in the grass, soaring overhead or perching in nearby trees.



Where there is roadkill, you are more or less guaranteed to see Black Vultures.



Utility poles are a good place to look for Crested Caracaras.






Utility wires may be providing perches for Tree Swallows.



However, even more common on utility wires are Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. But let me look at them in my next post.
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