local field guide suggested Crossidius Pulchellus - Snakeweed Longhorn Beetle
Common in the area around rock piles (of which there are a lot)
Not sure which one this is and would welcome suggestions
Mist net sampling and banding was being performed. This specimen was captured in one of the mist nets
I think this is:
Family Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
Subfamily Meloinae
Tribe Eupomphini
Genus Megetra
Several specimens were seen crawling across the sand on the floor of Chaco canyon in mid day
Regular pair that have been visiting our yard for several years. One has a wry wing that is very distinctive but doesn't seem to hamper its success.
Apparently longish, slender snake, reddish color. May be a coachwhip? but I'd love better identification.
large flocks on lawn, mud flats and in water
mixed flock of eared and hrned grebes
appeared tobe a mixed flock of horned and eared grebes in winter plumage
Flock of about 8 males & females working through mowed grass and gravel
Later afternoon. Was busy foraging for mussels just off the obervation dock. Obscured much of the time, but it helpfully popped up onto a reed mat periodically.
I believe the one on the left in profile is lesser, note dark beak. Not sure on ones with back to us, maybe American because of the stronger wing bars.
Junco in foreground, Song Sparrow in background
