Category Archives: 2018SW Trip

Adios, Texas

We said goodbye to Texas today in a typical fashion – 70 mph on I-10 with too-many trailer trucks, a very gusty crosswind, and 80 degree temperatures. We are in Louisiana for a few days (Hi American Robins, Blue Jays, American Crows) before turning northward toward home. Here are some shots, all taken with at least 15-20 knots of wind buffeting the camera, of some Texas birds we’ve seen in the last few days.

Lesser Goldfinch riding out the wind

It is neat to see Altimira Orioles in natural settings instead of at a feeder

We saw a dozen Monk Parakeets at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse trail

Whether “kiting” or perched, White-tailed kites are special.

These White-faced Ibis make one think of their prehistoric ancestors.

We never tire of seeing the regal Great Blue Heron.

 

Long-legged Feeders

Some birds, like these Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Great-blue Heron, stand still and suddenly strike their prey.

Great Egrets and Snowy Egret.

Great Blue Heron

The Reddish Egret is known for its “dancing” to scare up fish. This guy was resting when we saw him.

This Tri-color Heron was stirring up fish with its feet and using the wing shadows to spot fish.

More Snapshots

Too many bird pictures, too little time – the story of birding in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

This House Wren looked in a nesting mood.

A school (?) of Black-necked Stilts with their Snowy Egret teacher.

Neotropic Cormorants discussing the latest tweet?

Mottled Ducks – male has bright yellow beak.

Orange-crown Warbler eating fruit.

Camera-shy Clapper Rail.

A Visit to Mexico

Just across the Rio Grande from Big Bend NP is the tiny community of Boquillas de Carmen, which for decades, had a close relationship with park visitors – until 9-11.

Then, in early 2002, the crossing was closed and remained closed for eleven years. The residents moved away and worked and lived elsewhere, most 250 kilometers distant. Only since early 2013, have visitors been once again allowed to cross. The community, while still very poor, is rejuvenated. We had a wonderful visit – the highlight of our Big Bend trip.

You start with a rowboat across the Rio Grande. ($5 round trip)

Then take a burro, horse, or pickup to town. ($5 round trip)

Plodding along on a burro on a dusty trail in 80 degree temperatures, it was not hard to think about how long it would take to reach the distant mountains in the 1800’s.

We hired Estoban, a guide, to support the local economy and because he was helpful – Sally got in some good Espanol practice.

Some village scenes

We had a nice lunch in the shade – I had the goat tacos which were good, and about as adventurous as I get culinary speaking.

Many of the residents sell crafts – Sally bought from this woman’s family.

It was a great experience and a reminder of how good our relations have been, and are, with our Mexican neighbors.

Big Bend National Park

We just are finishing a road trip up to Big Bend National Park to get some sun and warmth and so we did – 37 degrees at night and mid-80’s during the day. We stopped at Casa Blanca SP and Seminole Canyon SP coming and going. Lots of straight driving at 75 but a good venture.

This is a view of the "Window" at the Chisos Basin

The Rio Grande

I’ll cover our international expedition next post.

Just Plain Birds

I’ve been showing off flashy birds that are eye candy but we have been seeing lots of less showboat but just as interesting subjects. Here are some:

The Orange-crowned warbler is everywhere.

White Ibis (we see white-faced as well)

A gaggle of Snowy Egrets

Long-billed Curlew working the outfield of a ball park

Black Phoebe in poor light

American Wigeon and below, his main squeeze

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

Olive Sparrow

Sick of grey weather, we are moseying westward for some adventures and hopefully some sun.

Buntings

There are a couple of rare buntings in the area and in the last couple of days, we saw them both. The first was at Quinta Matzalan, a sprawling Spanish-revival estate surrounded by sprawling tropical gardens and lots of birds. The juvenile male Blue Bunting has been drawing birders from all over and after a chilly wait, I saw it at a feeder along with a dozen others.

I thought I’d seen a Blue Bunting in Maryland a few years ago and was surprised to find that this was a life bird – #466 – the Maryland bird was a Blue Grosbeak.

The second bunting was a Painted Bunting which has been hanging out at the National Butterfly Center. Sally and I got great looks at it as it foraged along the pathways, oblivious to the clicking telephoto lenses.