Author: Justin Case
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Northern Mockingbird, Champion Singer
“Hush, little baby, don’t say a word! Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird!” begins a cherished lullaby. Yet, one wonders: why would anyone buy a mockingbird when its melodies tumble from treetops for all to enjoy? And the folk song apparently originated in the South, the mockingbird’s original realm.
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The Chachalaca: Summer 2023
Diane Hall, editor Read the articles below and leave the author a comment. Click here to view the pdf file: The Chachalaca Summer 2023. Vol. 20 No. 2. June 2023 – In this issue: Editor: Diane Hall All photos were taken by the author unless otherwise noted. The Chachalaca: Archives
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The Spinybacked Orbweaver — a Backyard Jewel
A spiky, ornate gem sat amid an expansive web projecting from the fence, arresting me in my tracks. I feel privileged whenever this decorative creature, the spinybacked orbweaver, sets up camp to ensnare tiny insects in my backyard.
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A Striking Red Bird—the Summer Tanager
During April, the peak of spring migration in South Texas, one often spots a summer, scarlet, or, occasionally, a western tanager resting on one of our low branches—to the delight of photographers unable to convince fluttery warblers to strike a pose. We are indeed fortunate hosts. In much of their nesting and wintering grounds, tanagers…
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Black-necked Stilts
A cartoon animal springs to mind when I watch this round-headed, needle-billed, tuxedoed bird that, walking on pink stilts, rises above its fellow shorebirds probing the mud for edible treats.
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Winter Ducks
As the lakes and ponds up north begin to freeze over the birds that make their living in the water need to find open, ice-free water. Naturally, this sends them south looking for warm breezes and tropical water where they can spend a comfortable winter; a sort of Margaritaville for ducks.