While birding out at San Jacinto Wildlife Area the other day I spotted this Sage Thrasher. I know he's not the most dramatic or beautiful bird, but I hadn't seen one for a couple of years, so it was pretty exciting to find him. This thrasher doesn't have as long or curved a bill as most thrashers; he has a yellow eye, a white cornered tail, and lots of bold streaking. He is more likely to be here in spring and summer, but is an early migrant, even as early as late January or February. So, I guess this is an extra eager-beaver migrant! 1/9/21 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
The Yellow-headed Blackbirds are pretty elusive at San Jacinto Wildlife Area--most visits there I don't see them. When I was there the other day I found a small flock in these rushes, pretty far out in one of the ponds--occasionally they would all fly off to an even farther-away bunch of rushes. They never got close enough to get really good photos, but I was happy to see them and at least document that they really were there! 12/27/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
When birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area the other day, I spotted a number of these Loggerhead Shrikes. This one let me get a couple of shots of it. I was happy that this view showed the slightly hooked upper bill, that is used to tear apart prey. The nickname for this bird is "butcher bird"-- it is known for impaling insects, lizards, and even small birds and mammals, on barbed wire fences or in trees, a primitive type of food storage. 12/26/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
