Another visit to Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Three Rivers, New Mexico, and an opportunity to get many images of one of my very favorite birds. The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), state bird of New Mexico.
All these photos are the same bird, though with slightly different color ways. Its feathers are iridescent and vary depending on the light that hits those feathers.
The Greater Roadrunner is native to the southwestern United States and central Mexico, and it does not migrate.
The Roadrunner, of course, is known for its running abilities, running up to 26 miles per hour. The bird can fly but its method of choice is running, for chasing after its dinners of insects, small mammals, lizards and snakes (even rattlesnakes). They’ll also eat things that don’t require much speed, seeds, fruits, prickly pear cactus, and carrion.
See those feet? Two toes forward and two toes back, leaving “X” footprints.
What a treat it was to get these images. My favorite place, my favorite bird!
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As a New Mexican, it’s great to see your wonderful pictures and interesting write-up of the roadrunner. Their antics never cease to amaze me. I think you should return here and give equal time to the coyote.
Dear New Mexican Tom! Great to hear from you on my blog site! There are coyotes here in Virginia too, though I seldom know that they are around. I did hear some just a few nights ago. They’re spooky sounding. I’d rather investigate YOUR coyotes since they are smaller than Virginia coyotes. I’ll look forward to coming out to check up on them, and visit with you guys again!
Thanks bunches for reading my blog.
Bren