While visiting the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, I thought I kept hearing a yellow billed cuckoo, but I was unsure. The calls seemed quite far away. By the afternoon, to my pleasant surprise and at a different blind, the yellow billed cuckoo showed up for some water on this hot day. The only problem was that it had become overcast for about an hour of the afternoon during which time the yellow billed cuckoo visited. The exposure was quite difficult. I had to shoot some of these wide-open so the sharpness isn't exactly what I wanted but I was glad to get so close to this guy. They are notoriously shy.

I realize there are some unfortunate grasses obscuring the view of the bird, but I like the tail position.


I cut the tail off here,


He came so close that I had to quickly change cameras. This shot is with my 500mm.


The rest are with the 300mm


Stretching for a drink....


Finally, a full body image.


After about 20 minutes, he left never to return again nor did I hear him. Of course the plain chachalacas and green jays started to drown every one out. Oh and the cicadas were deafening.

Love these shots Stephen! Well done!

#3 #4 and the last It's great to be rewarded for a bit of patience. Annoying about the light, but the shots came out pretty well anyway.

Originally Posted by raptorcaptor Love these shots Stephen! Well done!

Thanks Glenn

We can't let the lack of light stop us....now, can we?

That last capture was well worth the effort, Stephen.

i like the drinking shots Stephen

Originally Posted by Giphsub #3 #4 and the last It's great to be rewarded for a bit of patience. Annoying about the light, but the shots came out pretty well anyway.

Thanks Mike...that is one thing about nature photography, one is really at the mercy of the elements and one just has to deal with whatever comes.

Very nice series Stephen, love that last shot in this series full shot, and a nice bird to.

Originally Posted by Ric Grupe We can't let the lack of light stop us....now, can we? That last capture was well worth the effort, Stephen.

Of course not, Ric. In fact worse light than this has not stopped me as well. Thanks for the comment.

I really like the portrait in #3. Neat looking bird. You certainly ran the gamut down there didn't you Stephen?

Bud

Originally Posted by dbaker1221 i like the drinking shots Stephen

Thanks Dave.

Nice set, Stephen Excellent detail in the closeup shot.

Originally Posted by Bud1880 I really like the portrait in #3. Neat looking bird. You certainly ran the gamut down there didn't you Stephen? Bud

Thanks Bud..I certainly saw a wide variety down there.