Sunday, March 23, 2014

Warren Lake


After leaving Longenbaugh Road, I still had some time to kill, so I followed the directions to the next site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail map.  By the time I reached Warren Lake, it was raining steadily.  I saw no birds except what I thought was probably Starlings on the power lines.  I had already driven all those miles, there was no lightning, and the clouds weren't spinning, so I might as well have a look around.     



I found a rain jacket in my trunk, tucked my camera beneath it, and headed to the viewing platform.  Apparently, the geese had already headed north, but the Northern Shoveler's were still there - hundreds of them.  Most were far out in the middle of the lake.    



There was one pair close enough to photograph.


They spent most of their time with heads below water.  I watched them swim that way for awhile.  The rain continued without any sign of stopping, and my camera was getting wet.  If I ruined it, I'd be forced to buy the new version.  That would be just awful...



I took a closer look at the birds I ignored, and realized they did not have the silhouette of a sparrow or starling.  They were Purple Martins!  Spring migrants.  Hooray for spring!

I had to risk more photos in the rain for the martins.    


Ouch!

No, he didn't really stick his toe in his eye and scream.  He's just scratching an itch.  The photo made me giggle, though.

I thoroughly dried the camera and it continues to work perfectly.  Darn.

I'm linking up with I'd Rather b Birdin' at the Bird Depot.  Please visit to see more beautiful birds or link up some of your own. 


The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail - Upper Texas Coast
UTC099

Date of Visit:  March 15, 2014
Time of day:  Midday
Temp:  68 deg F
Conditions:  Rain
Species Identified (4):  Northern Shoveler, American Coot, Purple Martin, Northern Mockingbird

11 comments:

  1. Wonderful to read...super photos. Yes, the Shovelers seem to be everywhere these days. I found a martin house just yesterday at one of the parks...but I didn't get my camera out in the rain like you did.!!!

    Now, I'm gonna have to go check out my map and find where Warren lake is.
    Thanks for linking up this week.

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  2. Thanks for this lovely post, and photos :). I would enjoy this place very much.

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  3. thanks for the laugh this morning! darn! :)

    love those shovelers. such cool ducks.

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  4. Yes, I like it, nice place for bird watching!

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  5. Shame about the rain, and I thought it only rained in England! Anyway it was good to see Purple Martins heading north to warmer weather.

    From your pictures I think that the Black Vulture clearly has a smaller wingspan than the TV?

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  6. Gorgeous photos ~ favorite is the large black bird ~ xxx

    artmusedog and carol

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  7. Good birding even when it rained. Love watching purple martins and Northern shovelers too. :)

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  8. Really your pictures and work is appreciating...

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  9. Sometimes the birds are just elsewhere - but it would be nice to see the Martins.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  10. I love the Northern Shovelers. And the Purple Martins are a great sighting.. Happy Spring..

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  11. that´s a great platform for birding. I love the shovelers. They are great ducks. :)

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