Monthly Archives: February 2015

Are We Secure Yet?

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Richard

It is still disconcerting, after many trips to the Southwest, to take the dog for a walk and see, up over the tree line, a tethered surveillance balloon. Often it is miles away but I still always am tempted to … Continue reading →

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Collector’s Items

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Richard

Just before I left the lower Valley, I found this license plate at the [Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park](http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley). I did not find the owner but thought it was a good birder plate. The other day, here at [Falcon State … Continue reading →

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A Birding Surprise

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Richard

The other evening it was still 80 degrees after supper (Yeah, I know I’m pushing some friendships here) so we decided to take a five mile drive up to a small pond where waterfowl gather. It is on a private … Continue reading →

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Aluminum Envy – A Vintage Airstream Moterhome

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Richard

Mary noticed that the shiny Airstream as we drove down our loop at the state park, and I nearly hit a post gawking at it. Not only was it an antique, it was self-propelled and towing a Jeep. Here’s what … Continue reading →

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Raptors Rule The Rio Grande Valley

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Richard

Wherever you go in the Rio Grande Valley, you find hawks – yesterday morning we found a Zone-tailed Hawk in among some Turkey Vultures (it was too far away for photos) and also saw this Osprey waiting for breakfast. Pretty … Continue reading →

Posted in raptors, Rio Grande Valley, Southwest trip 5, Texas birding, Texas birds | 1 Comment

Penny Meets Some Pigs Out Back

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Richard

Posted in Vermont Birding | 2 Comments

Signs and Sounds of Spring

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Richard

As I sat outside last evening, dozens of Red-wing Blackbirds were in the tree above me, chattering and calling away, and I thought, "I’m certainly not in Vermont anymore." Here in deep South Texas where spring comes early (winter never … Continue reading →

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Father Bird

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Richard

Yesterday morning, Mary and I ( and our bird dog) were at Estero Grande Llano State Park to check out some of the wonderful array of birds there – it was Mary’s first visit. As is my custom, I did … Continue reading →

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Pop-up Birds

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Richard

Often when birding, a bird pops around a tree trunk or up to the top of a shrub and you want to get it in your binoculars but at the same time, take a photo. Good photographers are fast and … Continue reading →

Posted in Rio Grande Valley, Southwest trip 5, Texas birding | 1 Comment

Getting Buff

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Richard

One of the things I’ve noticed in the Southwest is the amount of car washing that goes on — cars and trucks are washed continually. There are small setups everywhere – no do it yourself but rather guys who tackle … Continue reading →

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