Blucher Park

Since I didn't make it to the valley on Saturday, I decided to explore some birding trail sites in Corpus Christi on Sunday.  A drive down to Mission, TX, my original plan, and then back to Houston the same day would have meant a whole lot of driving and not much birding.    

I'd heard a lot about Blucher Park, so I started there.  I've seen posts advising rarities located here many times, and several birders recommended visiting.   The  driving directions on the trail maps are sometimes pretty useless, as was the case this time.  I saw a sign with a book, indicating a library was nearby, and followed it since it was mentioned that Blucher Park was near the library.    

No rarities this time, but I did find a lifer.  The Gray Catbird and I had a bit of a "conversation" before he finally came out and had a drink from the stream.

A couple of Southern Leopard Frogs were near the bridge.  I know frogs sing love songs to each other after heavy rains, but isn't it a bit late in the year for this?

The park has a nice butterfly garden, in which I spent quite a bit of time.  I made use of my recently acquired field guide to identify the White Checkered-Skipper.  Skippers have "distinctive flight and large bodies" I learned from my guide.  I'm not sure I recognized anything special about his flight, but the large body is obvious.

Gossamerwings are the very small, delicate butterflies.  Some are about the size of a thumb nail and never impressed me until I took a closer look.  This beautiful little Ceraunus Blue actually cooperated while I placed my camera lens very close for a true macro shot.  I'm linking him up with Macro Monday 2.

10/19/2014
CTC071
Morning, 70's, Partly cloudy
Species Identified (9):  Northern Cardinal, White-winged Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Inca Dove, Northern Mockingbird, Gray Catbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Couch's Kingbird

Also butterflies:  Bordered Patch, White-checkered Skipper, and Ceraunus Blue