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We went to bed last night at 9 pm and slept through until 7 am. It was still dark outside. I think we were tired! A slight mist was falling as we left the campground.
We drove HWY 187 South through curvy roads and small towns for many miles. Gradually we noticed the hills were behind us; the land was flat again. We saw corn and wheat fields, and possibly potatoes.
At one point, there were both Turkey and Black Vultures, and other raptors sitting on trees, fences, or the roadside waiting for fresh roadkill on the road. Swainson's Hawks (below) even out-numbered the vultures!
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Driving on I-35 traffic increased dramatically as we neared Laredo. This is not the same Laredo as in “As I walked down the streets of Laredo”! Big motels, big trucks, big gas stations—everything is big in Texas!
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We made a brief stop at San Ygnacio Seedeater Sanctuary. The entry was off-putting, kind of a dead-end area with signs that warned "Not Responsible for Accidents"; definitely not the kind of place you want to leave your motorhome unattended. However, we decided to walk a ways in on a narrow trail.
Lo and behold—a White-collared Seedeater was singing in a small tree beside us. The lighting was not great for photos but no doubt about his identity.
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The Sanctuary featured a small observation tower to better see the birds, and offered a view of the Rio Grande river through the trees.
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We also enjoyed watching a Brown-crested Flycatcher
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A Bronzed Cowbird caught our eye, but the Northern Mockingbird's singing kept our attention!
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Roadside vendors offered their wares for the coming Easter.
Olive fruits were forming on Olive Trees at the same time as blossoms
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We continued on to our campground at Falcon State Park, Elevation 312 feet, 90 degrees at 4 pm. It was a very long day of driving. Paul and Sofie enjoyed the view from the birding tower at Falcon State Park, including the Falcon Dam on the Rio Grande river.
The lake behind the dam is 28 miles long and 84,000 surface-acre lake to save water, irrigate crops, provide power, flood control and recreation.
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Fascinating to see the differences and similarities between the Great Kiskadee (much larger beak and darker mask) and Couch's Kingbird.
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Two for the price of one--Couch's Kingbird and Northern Cardinal.
The Northern Mockingbird is the most common bird seen, and HEARD! It keeps up a constant chattering.
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This campground is very spread out and quiet today. I expect it will be very lively this Easter Weekend. No other people are here, but there are big trailers set up all around us for family get-togethers this coming Easter weekend.
We have reservations in a Mission, Texas RV Park until next Monday—to make sure we have a perch for the busy weekend.
Life birds for the day were: White-collared Seedeater, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bronzed Cowbird, Couch’s Kingbird, the Great Kiskadee and brief looks at Crested Caracara. More chocolate was consumed!
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Today Our Eyes Were On
Enjoying the White-collared Seedeater singing at San Ignacio Seedeater Sanctuary.
Whizzing by small rivers, green trees, poor small towns, huge motels one after another in Laredo and other freeway junctions, more and more big trucks, and worst of all, birds that we knew were new to us but we couldn’t stop to enjoy or identify them.
Whizzing by small rivers, green trees, poor small towns, huge motels one after another in Laredo and other freeway junctions, more and more big trucks, and worst of all, birds that we knew were new to us but we couldn’t stop to enjoy or identify them.
Many signs that say “Road may be flooded”. Texas doesn’t build bridges for every water crossing. Many times they make a low place on the road so high water can go over the road
Air conditioner working beautifully
New and wonderful country and new and wonderful birds!
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