Birding in South Texas

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Being in Texas birding is hot and dusty work, but someone has to do it.

We return each day from our adventures thirsty and hot and dusty. And we may look like a chicken when we return, as we are eating chicken so often. We cook breakfast here at the studio, make chicken salads to eat out for lunches, and then eat chicken back here – although yesterday we ate outside next to a lovely little lake.

This part if Texas is flat and very arable. We saw dozens of tractors out plowing, and many different watering systems of the deeply furrowed fields. Everywhere are towers of cement about 12’ tall holding the mechanisms for regulating the flow of water.

Drive west from here we were close to the Rio Grande and saw long portions of the Wall. It is maybe 20’ tall, metal bars. You can see thru it.

We went to one place yesterday where we were quite hot after renting bikes to get around the large place. Today’s 2 places were much smaller so walking was no problem. We have picked up a total of 27 new bird species for our “greatest year” of birding, so we are up to 255. We’ve seen lots of birds and ducks we’ve already counted – Northern shovelers, blue winged teals, green winged teals, et

But a new duck today – a Cinnamon Teal - #1 photograph

A beautiful green jay that only lives down here #2.When it flies away it shows

We have seen 3 types of grebe, but here is a “least grebe,” such a tiny little thing - , #3

And we have 2 types of titmouse, but here they have a black-crowned tit-mouse #4

The winner today was the Vermilion flycatcher #5, only found here.

there's Mr. or Ms Alligator!

Tomorrow we are off to South Padre Island and a large preserve just this side of it. Another all day event for sure!

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