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It was raining a bit when we awoke at 7:30. We had already decided to stay put today and rest up. We have been going pretty hard for quite a while. I was not ready to jump in the van and go.
However, before we rested up, we walked to the Birding Center, hoping to get a photo of the Green Jay. Immediately we saw a different bird--a Muscovy Duck, usually a domestic rather than wild. We did not ask the duck which he was.
A Buff-bellied Hummingbird took advantage of the feeder by the Nature Center
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We were able to spot one Green Jay but again they are very shy and it flitted into and then out of view. Paul decided to go on the tram to the next stop hoping for a Green Kingfisher. He left me hoping for another look at the Green Jay.
While I was waiting for the Green Jay, the Chachalacas set up a terrific fuss. Several Turkey Vultures were flying overhead. The Chachalacas apparently think of the TV's as some sort of boogie man. Seems like the Chachalacas might be smarter not to announce their presence in such a way. Makes you kind of wonder!
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I chose to walk back to our little nest and do a bit of straightening and blogging. Neither went very well. Our perfect RV park has lost the internet today. I suspect they don’t keep it on in the summer and had it shut off today. I saw a “communications” truck driving around several times.
So I am writing the blogs and will put it all on the internet next chance. I had so hoped to catch up on our day off!
Soon Paul came back with this photo of the Golden-Fronted Woodpecker and this photo of Cave Swallows (life bird).
While taking photos of the Cave Swallows, Paul was attacked by other critters. He was bitten on the ankle bone by a red ant. He compared the constant pain to how your thumb feels when you smash it with a hammer. I checked on the internet and it appeared to be a fire ant bite. After consulting with my retired-doctor-sister, we administered antihistamine, advil, and ice. He was content to sit with his leg up and ice on it, and napped a bit.
Meanwhile I caught up on the clothes washing/drying. Nice to have all clean clothes again.
Finally the van was too hot so we came out to the picnic tables in the wind. Birds cavort and grackles and mockingbirds fill the air with loud squawks, whistles, and chatters. I don’t know what it all means, but the birds are loud enough to drown out lawn mowers nearby.
Tomorrow we head to South Padre Island—the Southern- and Eastern-most point on our birding tour. We still have a few birds to find but so far we have 41 life birds and 104 different species in Texas, with a trip total of 146! No wonder we are a bit tired today. I am happy to report Paul's bite is some better tonite.
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Today Our Ears Were On whistling Black-bellied Whistling-ducks. That was cool!
And the constant racket of grackles
Today We Feel the wind and we are grateful for it
Today Our Eyes Were On
Another glimpse of the vibrant Green Jay (and photo of the Great Kiskadee)
An almost empty RV park with only a handful of snowbirds remaining and . . .
Paul saw little red ants crawling all over his shoes and socks
Editor's note: I am finally caught up!!!!! I am having a piece of chocolate to celebrate!
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