2021-04-25 “Big Sit” At The National Butterfly Center

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25 Photos

Altamira Oriole - Icterus gularis — **Altamira Oriole**
*(Icterus gularis)*

**Description:**
Altamira Orioles were weaving a nest overhead from our observation circle. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
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**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 8:30

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** AltamiraOriole_D5X1300-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pin It — **Altamira Oriole**
*(Icterus gularis)*

**Description:**
Altamira Orioles were weaving a nest overhead from our observation circle. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 8:30

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** AltamiraOriole_D5X1300-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Audubon's Oriole - Icterus graduacauda — **Audubon's Oriole**
*(Icterus graduacauda)*

**Description:**
The appearance of Audubon’s Orioles added another oriole species to our list. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 16:50

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** AudubonsOriole_D5X1562-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Couch's Kingbird - Tyrannus couchii — **Couch's Kingbird**
*(Tyrannus couchii)*

**Description:**
Had these kingbirds remained silent, we wouldn’t have been allowed to count the species on our list. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:42

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** CouchsKingbird_D5X2018-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Eastern Cottontail - Sylvilagus floridanus — **Eastern Cottontail**
*(Sylvilagus floridanus)*

**Description:**
This bunny looks similar to our Desert Cottontail in the west, but it wasn’t a part of our target species for the contest. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 10:37

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** EasternCottontail_D5X1515-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Eastern Fox Squirrel - Sciurus niger — **Eastern Fox Squirrel**
*(Sciurus niger)*

**Description:**
It wasn’t a part of our target species for the contest, but I couldn't resist capturing it as it quenched its thirst. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:08

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** EasternFoxSquirrel_D5X1912-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Golden-Fronted Woodpecker - Melanerpes aurifrons — **Golden-Fronted Woodpecker**
*(Melanerpes aurifrons)*

**Description:**
South Texas has but two resident woodpeckers; this bird and the Ladder-Backed Woodpecker. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:39

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** GoldenFrontedWoodpecker_D5X1699-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus — **Great Kiskadee**
*(Pitangus sulphuratus)*

**Description:**
These very vocal birds could be heard all day. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:02

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000

**File Name:** GreatKiskadee_D5X1840-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Great-Tailed Grackle - Quiscalus mexicanus — **Great-Tailed Grackle**
*(Quiscalus mexicanus)*

**Description:**
Never a shy bird, grackles are always glad to put on a show. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 10:32

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** GreatTailedGrackle_D5X1479-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Green Jay - Cyanocorax yncas — **Green Jay**
*(Cyanocorax yncas)*

**Description:**
Green Jays are always an interesting study. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:32

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** GreenJay_D5X1639-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Hispid Cotton Rat - Sigmodon hispidus — **Hispid Cotton Rat**
*(Sigmodon hispidus)*

**Description:**
Cotton Rats are a common prey item for predatory birds. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:18

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** HispidCottonRat_D5X1965-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Long-Billed Thrasher - Toxostoma longirostre — **Long-Billed Thrasher**
*(Toxostoma longirostre)*

**Description:**
Three thrasher species live in south Texas; mockingbirds, this bird and the Curve-Billed Thrasher. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:05

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** LongBilledThrasher_D5X1587-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Texas Full Moon - Scenery — **Texas Full Moon**
*(Scenery)*

**Description:**
As darkness fell on our team, the full moon rose in the east. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 19:51

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** MoonRise_D5X2049-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Olive Sparrow - Arremonops rufivirgatus — **Olive Sparrow**
*(Arremonops rufivirgatus)*

**Description:**
Often unnoticed, Olive Sparrows haunt the understory of thorny woodlands. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:05

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** OliveSparrow_D5X1894-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Plain Chachalaca - Ortalis vetula — **Plain Chachalaca**
*(Ortalis vetula)*

**Description:**
Chachalacas were so used to people here, they would almost walk over your feet if you remained still. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:31

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** PlainChachalaca_D5X1612-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris — **Ruby-Throated Hummingbird**
*(Archilochus colubris)*

**Description:**
There were feeders hanging in many places around the grounds, but sometimes a real flower is just the ticket. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 10:27

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000

**File Name:** RubyThroatedHummingbird_D5X1451-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

White-Fronted Parrot - Amazona albifrons — **White-Fronted Parrot**
*(Amazona albifrons)*

**Description:**
We could not count this non-native bird, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy its visit. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 8:21

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** WhiteFrontedParrot_D5X1270-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

White-Tipped Dove - Leptotila verreauxi — **White-Tipped Dove**
*(Leptotila verreauxi)*

**Description:**
Love was in the air for some of these doves. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:42

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** WhiteTippedDove_D5X1724-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

White-Winged Dove - Zenaida asiatica — **White-Winged Dove**
*(Zenaida asiatica)*

**Description:**
White-Winged Doves are a favorite of mine. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:54

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** WhiteWingedDove_D5X1789-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Click map markers to reveal further information

Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis

Altamira Orioles were weaving a nest overhead from our observation circle. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis

Audubon's Oriole

Icterus graduacauda

The appearance of Audubon’s Orioles added another oriole species to our list. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

Had these kingbirds remained silent, we wouldn’t have been allowed to count the species on our list. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Eastern Cottontail

Sylvilagus floridanus

This bunny looks similar to our Desert Cottontail in the west, but it wasn’t a part of our target species for the contest. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Eastern Fox Squirrel

Sciurus niger

It wasn’t a part of our target species for the contest, but I couldn't resist capturing it as it quenched its thirst. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

South Texas has but two resident woodpeckers; this bird and the Ladder-Backed Woodpecker. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Great Kiskadee

Pitangus sulphuratus

These very vocal birds could be heard all day. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Great-Tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

Never a shy bird, grackles are always glad to put on a show. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Great-Tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

Never a shy bird, this female birds gave me “the eye”. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Green Jay

Cyanocorax yncas

Green Jays are always an interesting study. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Green Jay

Cyanocorax yncas

Hispid Cotton Rat

Sigmodon hispidus

Cotton Rats are a common prey item for predatory birds. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Long-Billed Thrasher

Toxostoma longirostre

Three thrasher species live in south Texas; mockingbirds, this bird and the Curve-Billed Thrasher. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Long-Billed Thrasher

Toxostoma longirostre

Texas Full Moon

Scenery

As darkness fell on our team, the full moon rose in the east. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Olive Sparrow

Arremonops rufivirgatus

Often unnoticed, Olive Sparrows haunt the understory of thorny woodlands. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Plain Chachalaca

Ortalis vetula

Chachalacas were so used to people here, they would almost walk over your feet if you remained still. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

There were feeders hanging in many places around the grounds, but sometimes a real flower is just the ticket. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

White-Fronted Parrot

Amazona albifrons

We could not count this non-native bird, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy its visit. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

White-Fronted Parrot

Amazona albifrons

White-Tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

Love was in the air for some of these doves. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

White-Winged Doves are a favorite of mine. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

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