Lincoln's Sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii, 5.75 in. / 14.6 cm. COMMON in the West, UNCOMMON in the East. Somewhat secretive and inconspicuous. Nests in damp, dense brushy areas in sunny clearings, such as willow and alder thickets, margins of bogs. Handheld.

Salineno, Starr County, Texas, United States.

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Tags:   Birds of Texas Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii. Passerellidae New World Buntings and Sparrows ©bryanjsmith

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Osprey, Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, 23 in. / 58.42 cm. Locally COMMON around saltwater bays and estuaries. UNCOMMON to RARE on lakes and rivers Handheld.

Progresso Lakes, Hidalgo County, Texas, United States.

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Tags:   Osprey Pandion haliaetus Birds of Texas Pandionidae ©bryanjsmith

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Male Green-winged Teal (American), Anas crecca carolinensis, 14 in. / 35.56 cm. COMMON. Found on shallow ponds, marshes, flooded fields. Handheld.

Estero Llano Grande State Park, Progresso, Hidalgo County, Texas, United States.

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Tags:   Anas crecca carolinensis Green-winged Teal Birds of Texas Anatidae Ducks, Geese and Waterfowl ©bryanjsmith Anas carolinensis

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Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium brasilianum ridgwayi, 6.75 in / 17.15 cm. Handheld in heavy rain. Owl is grasping prey (probably a rat) whose tail can be seen hanging down in front of the perch.

El Canelo Ranch, Raymondville, Willacy County, Texas, United States.

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Tags:   Birds of Texas Strigidae Owls Glaucidium brasilianum Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl ©bryanjsmith

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Female Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoenixes, 8.75 in. COMMON and widespread. Wet, marshy or brushy habitats, forages in open fields.

Salineno, Starr County, Texas, USA.

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Tags:   Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Troupials and Allies Birds of Texas ©bryanjsmith Icteridae

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