Mickey Pitching in Arizona

Yesterday we went to Goodyear, Arizona to watch Mickey pitch.  He did well, but his team lost 10 to 7.

Here's what the ballpark and the stands looked like:

The ballpark at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, Arizona.

The faithful crowd is here to enjoy the game.  Umbrellas for the sun were a common sight.

Next, we have a few pictures of Mickey pitching:

A quick throw to hold the runner on first:

Then, back to business:

It was a fairly warm day, especially for March.  After the game we all went to Barro's for some dinner before heading back to Mesa.

The Adventure of the Bronzed Cowbird

In Washington State we see Brown-headed Cowbirds, which are nest parasites on other birds.  They lay their eggs in the nests of songbirds and warblers, and their young are then raised by the unsuspecting host birds.  One summer we saw a small Yellow Warbler feeding a cowbird baby that was considerably larger than the warbler itself.

Here in Arizona we also see Bronzed Cowbirds, which don't occur up north.  They look similar at first glance, but the Bronzed Cowbird is a bit larger, has a thick neck, and sports bright red eyes.  Here's one that was outside our kitchen window a few days ago.

A male Bronzed Cowbird at our home in Arizona.

Quite a handsome bird.  I wonder what species of bird raised this guy.