Gallery: Bath Time

From the Spring 2017 issue of Living Bird magazine. Subscribe now.

In recent years a growing number of landowners in South Texas have realized the importance of creating and preserving habitat for wildlife. Several ranches have developed photo blinds that include water features, feeding stations, and good backgrounds for photography.

The ranches charge a fee for access, much of which is reinvested for wildlife preservation. Last May I spent several days on the Santa Clara Ranch, where many birds were attracted to a small pond immediately in front of the blind. A male Painted Bunting came to drink and eventually jumped in to take a midmorning bath. I was ready and managed to get a half-dozen images, this one being the best.