 |
We had a terrific lightening/thunder/rain storm last night. Sofie hates thunder. I cuddled her close in our bed and she survived. The air was freshened this morning and temperature 69 degrees. We said good-bye to our 5-day home-away-from-home.
We passed by a lovely Catholic Church on our way to Frontera Audubon Center. An adjoining cemetery offered views of the Easter holiday decorations.
|
 |
At Frontera Audubon Nature Preserve a sign said the walkways were open so we headed out with no map on a trail through a green thicket.
The Visitor's Center is a converted hacienda. The cacophony of Chachalacas greeted us as we entered the park. Soon this little pond came into view.
|
 |
The pond entertained a Snowy Egret on a mud island in the middle.
A Spotted Sandpiper prowled the mud as well.
|
 |
Then we noticed a white spot in the tree behind it. It was a female Green Kingfisher!!! (life bird).
|
 |
Although this bird sanctuary is only 15 acres, it sports lots of green tree habitat and ponds.
|
 |
We chatted with another birder who lives nearby. She gave us all kinds of pointers about what we might see here, id hints and info about our upcoming visit to S. Padre Island. Then she took our photo for us! What nice people we run into birding!
|
 |
Walking across a bridge we spotted the male Green Kingfisher! What luck!
Paul posed for a photo in the lush habitat.
|
 |
Cactus in the middle of a feeding station; an odd pair at the feeders
|
 |
A White-tipped Dove; a White-Winged Dove (note the brilliant blue surrounding the red eye)
|
 |
A White-winged Dove perches precariously on the feeder; look closely in the center for the Clay-colored Thrush
|
 |
On our way again, as we neared the gulf, the land became flatter and greener. We could smell the salt water and then the bridge to S. Padre Island came into view. It is about 2 1/2 miles long.
Paul was surprised when we got on the island. He expected a quiet hideaway instead of a huge tourist mecca.
|
 |
We found the Andy Bowie County Park. Many birders on the way here had suggested it was a good place to stay and across from both the Convention Center and the Birding Center. There are only 20 sites, so Paul was worried we wouldn’t get one. We had a choice of 2 sites.
The few trees on the island are mostly palm trees. There are no trees in the county park. The RV park is a good size rectangular parking lot with RV’s lined on both sides. We can see the water from the park. We have all hook-ups and a very plain but adequate restroom with shower.
|
 |
After paying for four days camping, we drove across the street to the Birding Center, a very plush facility funded by a local real estate magnate. It has extensive boardwalks over the water.
With Sofie tucked safely in the motorhome, we began exploring. Luckily today is overcast and about 75 degrees with a nice breeze blowing.
|
 |
A pair of Mottled Ducks drift by under the extensive boardwalk.
|
 |
A Great Blue Heron dances in the wind
|
 |
A Little Blue Heron flew by, stopped and puffed himself up, and then settled and proceeded to fish.
|
 |
Must be a Spotted Sandpiper and a Pectoral Sandpiper. Below: A Common Gallinule (used to be called Moorhen)
|
 |
Great Egret; White Ibis with Black-bellied Whistling-ducks.
At last, Roseate Spoonbills resting on an island. I have been anxiously hoping to see them. They do not disappoint.
|
 |
Next we went to Sheepshead street. This is a birding hotspot not on any maps or guides. We had been told of this little patch of green trees on a side street by our neighbor at the Benston Palms RV park. He is a first grade teacher and years ago was instrumental in planting these trees.
This little park offers a safe harbor for warblers after flying across the gulf. Several birders were there and we joined forces to find the birds. We found a Yellow-breasted Chat, a female Orchard Oriole and a Blue Grosbeak.
|
 |
A Lizard and a Painted Bunting—very camera-shy bird who flits and hides in the dark far away, but a knock-out!
|
 |
The male Orchard Oriole and Baltimore Oriole working on oranges
|
 |
A TREE FULL OF DICKCISSELS—fifteen in all. That surprised and excited all the birders!
|
 |
A flash of brilliant red turned out to be a Summer Tanager.
On the way home we stopped at a bar on the ocean for some take-out food. It is a very popular hang-out, advertised as the biggest bar in Texas. Paul had fish tacos and I had “peel & eat” shrimp. Both were delicious.
After dinner we got acquainted with our RV park neighbor. We were really lucky to get a spot. Most of the campers are here by the month. He comes every March and April for wind-surfing.
He is also a birder and very knowledgeable about where to go for birds, and even for specific birds. He suggested we take an evening walk NOW with our dog to the Convention Center as it was a perfect time to find some good birds.
We did find a Hooded Warbler.
As I tried to photograph it, my camera beeped—no memory card. I had taken in out to download the photos to my computer and forgot to put it back. Paul got several nice photos of the evening walk.
|
 |
Today Our Eyes are FULL after a very full day of birding. We had over 40 species today. I was especially thrilled to see the spoonbills.
Today Our Eyes Were On
The Gulf waters on both sides of us on this narrow strip of an island
Over-the-top fancy birding center, motels 3 to 6 stories tall, very huge condos, the usual big, colorful tourist stores and shops
Very generous fellow-birders
Life is Good!
|
I am loving your photos and commentary. Did you see several Painted Buntings?
ReplyDelete