Not seeming like November

The weather has been great, so I've been cramming in all the birding I can, while I can. Seeing lots of good birds in the process, including some I wouldn't expect to see in November. Some that stand out are flocks of Sandhill Cranes going south. Yesterday (Nov 3) birders were reporting them all over the county, including here in Alpine at my ponds. The thrill of hearing them migrating through never gets old.

Today I went to the oasis to service feeders and bird. I way overdid myself. I couldn't stand all the algae that was growing in my translucent drip tank. I really need to replace it with an opaque one. So I decided to repaint the top of it, due to the old paint peeling off, then go back to town for a much needed nap. (I managed this sort of selfie as I was standing atop the ladder.)

The painting went well, didn't take too long, but no sooner had I finished servicing feeders than some birders showed up wanting to see Lucifers, quail, etc. I couldn't resist helping them in their quest, even though I had been up since 5 AM.  Because by then, nearly noon, birding activity had slowed down, it was harder than had it been early in the morning, but success eventually happened. Unbelievably, at least 3 Lucifers were still present. While in that endeavor, a small flock of Cassin's Finches put in a brief appearance. This is an irruption year for them. It was the most I'd ever seen at the oasis at one time. That was fun!

Once again, a no nap day. As seems to be my habit lately, I come dragging back to town exhausted around supper time.

One of the birding highlights since I last blogged was this juvenile Broad-winged Hawk at Musquiz Creek/Lake, a place I like to bird between Alpine and Ft Davis. (Photo Nov 2)

At the same place, I photographed a late Western Tanager. I also had this one at my ponds in Alpine. Such an unusal fall.

And a Williamson's Sapsucker at the State Park in the Davis Mountains on Oct 25. This photo is by Kym Morse. She was with me that day and her photos are better. I had accidentally turned on the macro mode button on my camera and didn't know what I had done wrong, so I couldn't get my camera to focus that day. (When I got home I used AI to figure it out.) I do struggle with technology!

So, anyway, you have an idea of how I've been keeping very busy seeking interesting birds, plus trying to keep up with life's regular chores. I suppose cold weather will come soon and slow me way down!