Friday, April 21, 2017--Exploring S. Padre Island

     We were off at 8 am to go to the Bird Walk with a naturalist at 8:30 at the Birding Center only to find they did not open until 9, after all the good birding time had passed. We certainly had the wrong time for the birding walk. Birding Center they may be, but they do it their own way and not in tune with birders' habits.

     Then we went to Sheepshead Road and saw our friends from the day before and a Kentucky Warbler. We also found a Worm-eating Warbler but sadly not even a bad photo. The exciting bird of the day was a Gray-Cheeked Thrush, verified by our experienced new friends.

     Later we drove to the Isla Blanca Park jetties on the south end of the island and discovered a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers.   Laughing Gulls were swarming near the waves.

     Statue of a padre blessing the island. 

     One of many wind-surfers.

     Swimmers and gulls enjoying the surf.  

     Immature Laughing Gull

     Isla Blanca Park pavilion for beach shade and fun, and beachfront food from two cultures.

     We stopped at McDonalds and I caught up one day on my blog—it was slow going. There was a big coffee group beside us. I did not hear any English and as time went on, the conversation became more enthusiastic and animated. At one point it began to remind me of the Chachalacas screaming as the vultures flew over. Too much birding?

     On our evening walk to the boardwalk, a beautiful Northern Parula entertained us at the water feature.

     I’m fascinated by the colorful spoonbills. It's hard to believe this is a real bird! They forage in shallow water,  sticking their bills in the water and swinging them in an arc around them, straining food particles as they go.

     A Juvenile and adult Little Blue Heron, blue bills with black tip

and the slinking Least Bitterns. Can you find the two Least Bitterns? Two bitterns were together and the parent kept yelling at the kid, and the kid just ignored it—just like people.

     Our County Park was a rambunctious place last night—not in the RV park, but in the public area right next to it. Very loud, throbbing, lively Latin music. 

     At about 9:15 FIREWORKS LIT UP THE SKY BESIDE US AND THE NOISE WAS DEAFENING! Sofie took great exception to it all, as it resembled lightening and thunder which she hates. Luckily it only lasted about 15 minutes, so we survived it.

Today Our Eyes Were on 

Another day, three life birds and 

55 life birds so far this trip

Another beautiful day in birder’s Paradise

We feel so lucky to be able to spend time enjoying it