Category Archives: Texas birding

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.

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.

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 trip to the National Butterfly Center, starting with a couple of Altimira Orioles.

The Audobon’s Oriole is a rarity here but this guy is becoming well-known.

Northern Cardinal, Black-crested Titmouse, White-tipped Doves.

This guy was the only one watching wihout binoculars and a camera.

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 at the feeding station. Here are a few of them.

Come back for some oriole and hawk shots on the next post.