Adding to the sparrow series, here is a duo of Black-throated Sparrows. Actually it is the same bird, two views. For those of you who believe that all sparrows look alike, this is a good example of one that doesn't! It is a very handsome bird of southwestern deserts. It is easy to see where it got its name. It often perches on the tops of bushes and sings a very musical song. This particular bird was photographed in central Texas. I had thought I'd only be showing species that Wayne might not have, and I have more often seen this one in Arizona and California's deserts, but no, this particular one was from a few years ago in Texas. 11/1/19 Judith Sparhawk
For the sparrow series, here is another example of one that goes beyond the LBJ or LBB description. The Lark Sparrow is a large sparrow with colorful markings on its face and white side feathers in the tail. It is most commonly seen feeding in grassy areas, often in flocks. This is a species that I can see locally, although this one happened to be photographed in central Texas. One reason I got better shots of these and other sparrows in Texas, are the great blinds which some of the parks provide, with seed to attract birds, and the ability to get close up views. 11/2/19 Judith Sparhawk
To round out Wayne's titmice postings, this is a Bridled Titmouse. It is a resident in oak, juniper, and sycamore forests at mid-elevations in southeast Arizona and western New Mexico. I think he is my favorite of all the titmouse species, with its cute little crest and facial markings. 10/16/19 Judith Sparhawk