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Being very busy at work and having a bad cold, I haven't managed to do any birding for several days. However, yesterday morning was so beautifully clear, crisp and sunny that I just couldn't resist spending 20 minutes taking a longer route to work. The route went across part of the Katy Prairie and I was sure that, on such a clear winter day, I would see lots of raptors.

I was right. I spotted a total of 16 Red-tailed Hawks, two American Kestrels and three Northern Harriers, as well as innumerable Loggerhead Shrikes.

Red-tailed Hawk

Northern Harrier

Since I didn't have much time and still wasn't feeling great, I never got out of the car. But this didn't stop me seeing and photographing a few smaller birds along Longenbaugh Road.

Savannah Sparrows are always plentiful in this area.


Northern Mockingbirds were were everywhere, too, and one gave me some great views.




An Eastern Phoebe was kind enough to pose close to the car.



And a House Wren popped up and perched on a roadside fence.



I drove on feeling very lucky to live and work where I do, and ready to face another hectic day of teacher-training.
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