AFTER A NIGHT OF THUNDER AND LIGHTNING IN DEEP SOUTH TEXAS, THE SHRILL-CALLING BLACK URRACAS MUST BE FLYING

(Ed.'s Note: After an unexpected rain and thunder storm Sunday night and early Monday morning, the landscape was different shades of green and the wildlife was out in force. This urraca (magpie? Nope, a Great-tailed grackle)) alighted on the driver's side view mirror and let out his joyous crackles establishing his territory. Although one can't tell from this picture, his black color was almost a steelish blue. Besides his familiar call, local residents are also used to hear turtle doves, mocking birds, white(wing?)tail doves and sometimes chachalacas if you're still lucky to live near wooded areas along resacas.)