May Birding at Pedernales

I arrived at the park before sunup and biked a fast pace to East Park Boundary. Along the way I saw and heard Chuck-wills Widow and Common Nighthawks. At station #10 I found two Black-chinned Hummingbird nestlings still in the nest but ready to fledge. One was beating its wings so quickly I could not see them move.

Acadian Flycatchers have settled into their usual territories - four males in all. Both Yellow-throated Vireos and Yellow-billed Cuckoos just returned. I found two Least Flycatchers singing along the river on this overcast, cool day - much like their northwoods breeding territory.

At the bird blinds highlights were a male Baltimore Oriole, a first year Western Tanager, and a Lazuli Bunting, all seen by the park hosts before my arrival. The last of the winter sparrows finally left this week for their more northerly breeding territories.

Cacti are about to flower at the park. Here is Indian Blanket in bloom which can be seen all along the roadsides in the Hill Country right now.