Birds of the Texas Rio Grande Valley

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Birds. Birds. Birds. Birds everywhere. It's easy to see why so many serious birders consider this area paradise. Our second day here a large flock of Green Parakeets landed in the tree next to our motorhome. So noisy in flight and absolutely silent when perched. And well camoflaged! There were several of us standing around with binoculars looking at the three or four birds we spotted but when they suddenly flew, atleast 30 or 40 birds suddenly took flight! And they're big - 13" long with a 21" wingspan - not the usual caged parakeet we can buy in pet stores. They flew over almost every day we were here but never landed in our tree again. Since we arrived I've seen 18 "lifers" (birds seen for the very first time). On Monday (12/29) we drove to South Padre Island and spent one night at a hotel on the gulf. Lots of shore birds. The island is kind of fun - fabulous beaches and lots of restaurants. There was still some storm damage from the last hurricane and almost every building was being reroofed. On the drive back Tuesday, we stopped at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge for a couple of hours. Lots of walking paths, a forty foot observation tower to climb, and a million mosquitos! Really a nice place and well worth the stop. Today is our last day in this area; we head for Mustang Island near Corpus Christi tomorrow. The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park rents bicycles ($5.00 for 4 hours) so we're going to spend the afternoon riding, walking, birding, and just hanging out in the park. Should be a nice way to end our stay here.

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Photos

Jogging on SPI
Here I am getting a head start on my annual New Year's resolution to be healthier (and skinnier). The beaches of South Padre Island go on for over 30 miles.

The Forest Primeval
Spanish moss drapes the trees at Santa Ana NWR. It was hot and muggy - the coat was for the mosquitos!