Random winter birds

Ok, so it's been a long time since my last post, and although I don't really have too much to share now, I'll put in a few pictures for the sole reason that I don't want to fall out of the habit of updating.  Honestly, I've seen some awesome birds the last few weeks, but most, if not all of them, have been unphotographable.  I've spent quite a bit of time birding Northeast Travis county, and kind of stumbled into some badass shit up there.  My favorites were the mixed flocks of longspurs, where my buddy AJ and I were able to pick out McCown's, Chestnut-collared, and Lapland.  Great scope views of Laplands in the scope.  I also finally caught up with the Red-naped Sapsucker that's been hanging around the area.

Red-naped Sapsucker - finally caught up with this bird, one which was a return from last winter.

Canvasback - one of the most reliable sites for this bird is in the fancy pond right next to my hospital.

Bufflehead - This good looking dude was hanging out there, too.

Yellow-rumped Warbler - I'm trying to think of a summer bird that is as ubiquitous as this butterbutt, but I'm at a loss.

Golden-crowned Kinglet - this is the best shot I could get of one of my favorite winter passerines.

Black-throated Sparrow - Get used to this bird.  Every time I see one, I'm posting a picture.  How could I not?

Verdin - rocking the chinup bar.

Cactus Wren - seen at the same spot as the previous two birds; probably better to keep that spot on the DL, or else county listers will tear it apart.

Last weekend, I hit up Western Travis County, picking up the usual suspects (Black-throated Sparrow, Cactus Wren, Verdin, etc.) with the additional highlights of finding our target Common Loon, and being fucking blown away when we picked out a Zone-tailed Hawk from a group of Turkey Vultures.  Great looks as the bird flew right over our heads, a life bird for me, and maybe one of my favorite county birds.  Anyways, I have no shots of my best birds from the last couple of weeks, but I'll throw a few pictures here, just for shits and giggles.

Merlin - at Hornsby

Watched this young Cooper's Hawk for a good bit at Commons Ford.

It was hunting the high grasslands.

Bald Eagle - at Mansfield Dam.  Sadly, the luster of this bird was somewhat lost, as I had seen a Zone-tailed Hawk just prior.

With lunch.