14 Comments
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Ron's avatar

Enjoy your pics and commentary.

I've found that the black vulture has a wings-forward design, and a real snap to their flap, where the turkey vulture's flapping is almost lethargic. (yawn! sorry, watching BLVU flying)

At least that's the way it appears here in the Shenandoah Valley. Maybe others' mileage varies by region...

Dan Weisz's avatar

That's an interesting observation and it sounds about right. They may have the same last name but are very different birds!!

Randy Herring's avatar

Thanks for sharing the great series of photos.

Michele Weisz's avatar

I have been to El Rio many times, but never knew the history of Pointer Mountain. Thank you! Great photo of the Mallard flapping his wings!

Dan Weisz's avatar

Thanks Michele. Learning about Pointer Mountain was new to me also!!

Marylou's avatar

A beautiful assortment of birds and information about them! I wish I could join in on the Monday adventure. Recently I have been having a female cardinal flying in and tapping on my windows. I looked into this behavior and see it is common during mating season. Just hoping she does not hurt herself. Such a beautiful creature

Dan Weisz's avatar

Thank you. Usually it’s the males attacking the windows, because they see a competitor or intruder in their own reflection. It’s always interesting to watch this.

Janine's avatar

Thank you for mentioning El Rio Preserve. There are baby mallards there now - so cute!

Dan Weisz's avatar

How cute. It is the season!!

Jeffrey Peacock's avatar

As always both photographically beautiful but most informative! I go birding vicariously through narrative and pictures! 🙏👍

Dan Weisz's avatar

thank you Jeffrey

Helen Ray Kaufman's avatar

Wow! That red-winged blackbird ! Drama queen (or king) with that coloring!

Dan Weisz's avatar

Yes, they are drama kings with their behavior along with their bright colors!!