Tuesday, April 25, 2017--S. Padre Island to Choke Canyon State Park at Callahan, Texas--161 Miles

     After saying goodby to our new birding friend/neighbor, we left at 7:40 am; weather was 79 degrees and overcast. 
     He provided us with a hand-drawn very detailed map of where we could find an Aplomado Falcon, which we have so far not seen. 

     On the way we stopped at the Convention Center for a last look at whatever birds remained. 

     Baths were the order of the day--an Indigo Bunting and an after-the-bath Painted Bunting. 

     Also enjoying the water feature were 2 Indigo Buntings and a young male Blue Grosbeak blending in with rocks on the right.

     Bay-breasted Warbler and a Nashville Warbler

     Tennessee Warbler

     As we left the Convention Center at 8:30 a dozen pink-colored white-morph Reddish Egrets and one spoonbill flew away. What a sight! 

     Then off we went. We followed the hand-drawn map directions.

     Our route passed the Port of Brownsville--definitely BIG OIL country!

     Carefully following our hand-drawn map, we arrived at the row of 12 tall yucca plants. However the bird was not sitting on the tallest one as predicted. We waited awhile and then walked around one of the dirt berms. 

     The Aplomado Falcon was sitting on a small stick on the right side of the row of yucca plants. We took photos.

     Then he flew up to his appointed position atop the tallest yucca! That bird was a gift from a very kind and generous birder!  More chocolate was consumed!

     Driving north on the freeway, Hurricane Evacuation Route signs frequently appear. 

     We see a constant row of thousands of wind turbines along the coastline to our right. 

     This is mesquite tree and BIG CATTLE RANCHING country. One of the watering holes has curiously pink water.

     We settled for the night at Choke Canyon State Park on a lovely lake, Choke Canyon reservoir. It is HOT but green and breezy. The campground on the lake has shade shelters and trees. 

     A perky Kingbird poses prettily.

Today Our Eyes Were On

Our last looks at S. Padre Island and all the happy memories of colorful birds

A thrilling discovery of an Aplomado Falcon with help from our new friend

Homeward bound