Wet Week at Transition Ranch

A few months back, some of you may recall that I was chattering more than usual about the photography opportunities at Transition Ranch near Uvalde, Texas.  During the dry spring of 2014, I helped the owners select photo blind locations and I showed them where to find golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos.  After a few days at the ranch, I was really excited about the possibilities.  Then, when April arrived this year, the ranch was drenched with record amounts of rainfall.

Here are a few of the images I captured at Transition Ranch while guiding two groups of photographers at mid-month.   For best viewing, click on an image to enlarge and sharpen it.  Click on the right center of each image to advance through the images.

House Finch_79A6750

House Finches were abundant in spite of heavy rains.

House Finches provided lots of action when shooting was slow with other birds.
House Finches provided lots of action when shooting was slow with other birds.

 

Male Hooded Oriole calling from a Texas persimmon tree.
Male Hooded Oriole calling from a Texas persimmon tree.

 

A shy orchard oriole at the morning blind.
A shy orchard oriole at the morning blind.

 

White-winged doves have established some large nesting colonies on the Transition Ranch.
White-winged doves have established some large nesting colonies on the Transition Ranch.

 

Lark sparrows were actively courting during mid-April.
Lark sparrow in courtship display  with feathers fluffed and tail spread.

 

Flushing Yellow-headed Blackbird photographed at 1/30 second during an afternoon rain.
Flushing Yellow-headed Blackbird photographed at 1/30 second during an afternoon rain.

Frequent rains through the winter and spring made it impossible to complete photo blinds for golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos.  Although shy, they should come to water in this dry country during a normal spring and summer.

By next spring, the ranch owner anticipates having additional blinds in place where golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos may come to drink.
Male golden-cheeked warbler singing from atop a hill country juniper.

 

Transition Ranch has a sizable population of breeding black-capped vireos. The species is among Texas' most beautiful spring/summer residents.
Transition Ranch has a sizable population of breeding black-capped vireos. The species is among Texas’ most beautiful spring/summer residents.

 

Blue Grosbeaks were just arriving as our time at Transition Ranch ended.
Blue Grosbeaks were just arriving as our time at Transition Ranch ended.

With abundant moisture, came abundant wildflowers and blooming prickly pear cactus.

The hills were covered in prickly pear cactus abloom with yellow and peach colored flowers.
The hills were covered in prickly pear cactus abloom with yellow and peach colored flowers.

 

Birds like Nashville Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers and Painted Buntings arrived late because of the cool weather and constant rain.
Birds like Nashville Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers and Painted Buntings arrived late because of the cool weather and constant rain.

Some of our photographers got excellent photos of painted buntings and Montezuma quail.  I can’t wait for next year…may it be just a little drier.

*** I’ve got a Canon 7D camera with battery grip and a 100-400 mm Canon IS lens (not the new model) for sale.  Both are in great shape.  If you are interested, let me know and/or make me an offer.  I’ve still got the boxes, papers, straps, etc. for them.

Larry