Scaled Quail

Two of these gorgeous Scaled Quails came near our yard this evening. We had seen one on the other side of the park where we live about a month ago. They are sometimes called "Cottontops" because of their little white topknots. Their numbers are decreasing due to habitat destruction. They are more common in the dry, desert areas such as the Permian Basin than the Bobwhite Quail.

Yellow-head Blackbird

Every day is a new bird discovery here in the Texas desert (Permian Basin). I feel like I am in a bird dream. Today I looked up and there was a Yellow-Headed Blackbird feeding in my yard. He has been there most of the morning and is still there now, pecking away at the seed I put out! This picture doesn't do him justice. He is jet black.