Sunday, March 9, 2014

Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary

As I was travelling to and from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, I kept seeing the sign for the Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary.  I didn't have time to visit on that weekend, so I drove a little out of my way on the trip home from Palmetto State Park.



I'm linking this photo to Sunday Bridges.  The pedestrian walkway crosses the coastal marsh to a birding tower, continues along the beach, and ends at a grassy field.    


The Willet, which I found near the birding tower, showed off his striking wing pattern.  



The Long-billed Curlew peeked out from the marsh grass near the beach.


I thought the Great Egret, which was stalking his dinner in the shallow bay water, might be spooked by a pair of loud teenagers pointing and shouting, "Look at that one!"  He ignored all of us.

There were joggers and a few noisy children that crossed my path, but the birds seemed to know they were safe from people on the bridge and weren't disturbed.


I found Savannah Sparrows in the grassy field.  No bridge here, just a sidewalk, so the birds are a bit more cautious of approaching humans.  They did allow me to watch and photograph them as long as I kept my distance.

The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail - Central Texas Coast
CTC: 030
Date of visit:  2/16/2014
Time of day:  Late afternoon
Temp:  70's (F)
Conditions:  Partly sunny, sea breeze
Species Identified (16):  Western Sandpiper, White Ibis, Rock Pigeon, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Long-billed Curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs, Great Egret, Laughing Gull, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Eurasian Collared-Dove, European Starling, Great-tailed Grackle, Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican      

12 comments:

  1. «Louis» is delighted that you linked this with Sunday Bridges!.

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  2. Very nice of the Willet to show off its wing like that - normally waders are not as cooperative.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  3. beautiful egret - love the curlew and willet, too!

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  4. I've never seen the curlew or the willet. They're so pretty! Wonderful shots.

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  5. Yes, I like these excellent catches, lovely photos!

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  6. What a real nice trip and beautiful photos! I am slowly learning my birds thanks to blogging friends who are more knowledgeable with an ID. Thank you so much!

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  7. The Willet is so striking- I'd love to see one over here in the UK. The walkway looks fabulous for a slow birding walk even ledges to steady the camera and lens on.

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  8. Great DOF in that first shot. The Curlew certainly has the right coloring to hide in his surroundings.
    You got some wonderful shots! I'm sure you're glad you took the time to explore.

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  9. Wow - stunning photos. The wooden walkway bridge is amazing - and the picture of the heron is unbelievable.

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  10. waaaa.... I miss Texas. Wonderful birding there, really the best ever. We spent several winters there but I didn't have a digital camera at that time. But I sure had a good time.

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  11. This place beckons! Love that bridge. Nice birds, some I've never seen. Great shots.

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  12. A great bird-post!
    Lovely heron!

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