Author Archives: Richard
Gone Fishing
Sally spotted a Green Heron while we were birding at South Padre Island Birding Center and we watched him get lunch. When he leaned way over, he nearly toppled and I missed the shot because I laughed, but he recovered … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, Bird Behavior, SW Trip 2018, Texas birding, Texas birds
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Snapshots
So often when birding, you get a quick look at a bird and suddenly it has moved or just gone, so you grab what shots you can get. Here are a few recent ones.
Posted in 2018SW Trip, Photography, SW Trip 2018, Texas birding, Texas birds
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A Not So Common Pauraque
Common Pauraques, a nightjar that we heard in early evening last year at Goose Island State Park, is tough to find during the day. Earlier this week at Estero Llano Grande State Park, a birder from South Dakota put us … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, bird behavior, SW Trip 2018, Texas birding, Texas birds
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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 … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, Mexican Food, Mexico, National Parks
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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 … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, National Parks, SW Trip 2018
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Comida Mexicana
When in South Texas, we try to have breakfast or lunch once a week at small restaurants where the locals eat. We got some suggestions and then, like on our recent road trip, look for places with dusty pickups and … Continue reading
Posted in Accessible_Birding, Mexican Food, Mexico
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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 … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, Rio Grande Valley, SW Trip 2018, Texas birding, Texas birds
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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. … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, life bird, Life list, Rio Grande Valley, SW Trip 2018, Texas birding, Texas birds
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Feeder Birds
One of the nice problems we have in the Rio Grande Valley is managing bird photos – if you don’t stay with it, you end up with electronic shoe boxes of digital photos. Here are some samples from our first … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, Texas birding, Texas birds
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Green Jays
We visited the National Butterfly Center where a lot of interesting birds are being seen. Butterflies have been sparse due to the recent chilly weather. One of the highlghts was the dozen or sp Green Jays who were hanging out … Continue reading
Posted in 2018SW Trip, Airstream Interstate, Texas birding, Texas birds, Trip Planning
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