Windy Day Brings New Bird Discoveries at Black Mesa

On the 9th day of my camping and wildlife photography adventure at Black Mesa State Park and Wildlife Preserve in Oklahoma, the wind was relentless! Despite the challenging conditions, I managed to photograph a few birds, some of which were new to me. I’ve also included a couple of birds I photographed earlier in my trip that I hadn’t shared yet. Thanks to my friend and fellow photographer, Mia, for helping with the ID of these new birds.

Cassin’s Kingbird:
I first photographed this bird a few days ago at the south entry to the Black Mesa State Park. It was perched on a barbed wire fence, which it seemed to prefer over natural perches. Cassin’s Kingbird is primarily found in the western United States, including parts of Oklahoma. It typically inhabits open woodlands, grasslands, and areas near water sources. In Oklahoma, it’s more commonly seen in the western regions, particularly in areas with tall trees and open spaces for hunting insects.

Cassin's Kingbird At Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma
Cassin’s Kingbird At Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma

Cassin’s Sparrow:
Another bird I captured on an earlier day was the Cassin’s Sparrow, also perched on a barbed wire fence. These sparrows can be found in Oklahoma, especially in the western and central parts of the state. They thrive in dry grasslands with scattered shrubs, cacti, yucca, and small trees. In Oklahoma, they prefer native grasslands that are ungrazed and unburned.

Cassin's Sparrow At Black Mesa State Park
Cassin’s Sparrow At Black Mesa State Park

Swainson’s Hawk:
On this windy 9th day, I spotted a Swainson’s Hawk as I was driving down the roads in the area. These hawks are a common sight in Oklahoma during their spring and fall migrations. Known for their impressive migration patterns, Swainson’s Hawks breed in North America and winter in South America. They are often seen soaring high in the sky, scouting for prey in open habitats like grasslands and prairies.

Swainson's Hawk Near Black Mesa State Park
Swainson’s Hawk Near Black Mesa State Park

Blue-winged Teal:
This isn’t a new bird for me, but I couldn’t resist sharing a moment I captured earlier in the trip. I photographed two Blue-winged Teals, one of which was biting the other for encroaching on its territory. It was a brief but interesting interaction to observe.

Blue-winged Teal Territory Dispute
Blue-winged Teal Territory Dispute

Overall, despite the windy conditions, this trip continues to offer exciting encounters with the diverse birdlife of Black Mesa. Each day brings something new, and I’m looking forward to what the next one will reveal.