Dickcissel (Spiza americana) - male

9 June 2015: The months of May and June were ones in which the Elm Fork Trinity River that runs but some forty yards from where these digital pics were taken was running to the brim because of historically exceptional rainfall that had occurred throughout spring but especially in the month of May throughout Texas with the North Texas region being no different. And throughout the Elm Fork Park there were several birds that were prominent including Dickcissel (Spiza americana) which we present in this observation as well as Painted Bunting, House Sparrow, Cliff Swallow, Blue Heron, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, and others. Arguably Painted Bunting and Dickcissel were the most abundant among the songbirds and they were nesting in the park and vicinity and their presence was evidenced in their abundance as the males in particular perched in the Mesquite trees and other trees to sing, feed, and rest. The females of these species were less in evidence but could be observed if one spent enough time at the park observing the goings on. The risen Elm Fork Trinity River drew hundreds of people to fish the increased number of fish in the water and the presence of fisherwomen and fishermen was part of the park experience during these months. As the summer continued and slowly but surely the level of the river decreased so did the number of people fishing. This was due in part to the fact that other parks that had been closed due to the flood stage levels of water had returned to these other places as they too began to reopen once the water levels dropped. But Elm Fork Park was open all summer long and the word went out accordingly. And there one could hear Dickcissel belting out its songs like few other birds can do for all who cared to enjoy, Dickcissel.

Dickcissel's range extends from North America to South America. In the United States' central and southeastern states throughout spring and summer Dickcissel resides and breeds or reproduces. It is not an East Coast bird nor a West Coast bird, but instead favors the middle of the continental United States to spend its reproductive time of the year. And through South Texas Dickcissel migrates during fall and winter southward through Mexico and Central America to winter in northern South America especially in Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname on the coast with the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Some Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas in southern Mexican states and Central America are also wintering ground favored by Dickcissel and there its presence and songs are known by the peoples who reside therein. Because of is peculiar range north and south Dickcissel is a melodious original and authentic resident of the Western Hemisphere.

Elm Fork Park is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Source: "Dickcissel," All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, range map and description, accessed 10.16.15, http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dickcissel/id