Common birds of the South

There were  a lot of common (and some strange) birds on our recent thrip through the South.

I was happy to see that my college mascot was present at every single campsite.

Looks authoritative, doesn't he?

That's because it's Spring time: 
time to impress the local beauties!

Wouldn't any male put on some "airs" for such a girl?

Anyway, one day, after 4 miles on a bumpy road to a game reserve, 
were were disappointed to learn that it was closed for some unstated reason.

But, we found this guy just outside the gate

and thought it was really fortunate that he stayed around long enough 
for us to get out and take a few close-ups.

But when he started pecking at out tire, 
and eating the little thin protrusions that stick out of the sidewalls…

his beauty faded really fast.