tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29738975805121177432024-03-13T07:16:12.837-07:00Birding Across TexasI'm on a mission to visit all of the birding and wildlife trails of Texas. Nine maps...953 sites...this will take awhile... Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-23347456542662114862014-12-21T13:50:00.002-08:002014-12-21T13:50:57.545-08:00Bluewater HighwayLeaving San Luis Pass, I drove the Bluewater Highway to Surfside. It was very windy and the birds flighty. I tried to get photos of the birds I saw on the lines, but as soon as I slowed the car they flew off. Even the European Starlings were difficult to photograph. I barely snapped one picture before they scattered. <br />
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I thought I saw a falcon, but it disappeared before I could make an id.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPr_Z3xOJek/VHLKQ-r2IHI/AAAAAAAAB-k/Ahiu2VH13ls/s1600/European%2BStarling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPr_Z3xOJek/VHLKQ-r2IHI/AAAAAAAAB-k/Ahiu2VH13ls/s1600/European%2BStarling.JPG" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Starling</td></tr>
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In a little pond beside the road, I spotted a small group of Lesser Scaup. A lifer! They took to the air very quickly, but I managed one photograph again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZQJSjn8fj8/VHLKRwyctdI/AAAAAAAAB-s/M8i5t5M1-88/s1600/Lesser%2BScaup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZQJSjn8fj8/VHLKRwyctdI/AAAAAAAAB-s/M8i5t5M1-88/s1600/Lesser%2BScaup.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Scaup</td></tr>
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Along the road, there are various places to pull off: a nature trail, beach access points, a bayside kayak access point, and a crabbing pier. I saw a sign at one of the beach access points advising that this area is essential to a threatened species and providing information on how to help protect them. My field guide actually lists them as endangered. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQSQ8uv2rzg/VHLKU6nJlTI/AAAAAAAAB-0/3meIG143Ajw/s1600/Piping%2BPlover%2BSign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQSQ8uv2rzg/VHLKU6nJlTI/AAAAAAAAB-0/3meIG143Ajw/s1600/Piping%2BPlover%2BSign.JPG" height="566" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were a few fishermen that caused the birds to move down the beach, but not deliberately. I followed and was able to get within 20 feet of plovers, sandpipers, and sanderlings without alarming them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5cHlAOJJ2Q/VHLKcvHJGPI/AAAAAAAAB_E/Npo7L30oWhM/s1600/Snowy%2BPlover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5cHlAOJJ2Q/VHLKcvHJGPI/AAAAAAAAB_E/Npo7L30oWhM/s1600/Snowy%2BPlover.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Plover</td></tr>
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At first glance, it looks like I found one of the Piping Plovers. After studying my photographs and referring to my field guides, I determined this is actually a Snowy Plover, which is also listed as threatened and is another lifer. A Piping Plover would have had orange legs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dfgiiTSxbk/VHLKavOWGwI/AAAAAAAAB-8/APgh4ici2os/s1600/Ibis%2Band%2BHeron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dfgiiTSxbk/VHLKavOWGwI/AAAAAAAAB-8/APgh4ici2os/s1600/Ibis%2Band%2BHeron.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ibis and Tri-colored Heron</td></tr>
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At the crabbing pier, I found a pair of interesting birds. A White Ibis and Tri-colored Heron were following each other around. Wherever one went, the other followed. When I passed by later in the day, they were still there and still together. How's that for an odd couple? <br />
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On a day that wasn't particularly birdy I identified a total of 16 species, two of them lifers. Not too bad.<br />
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Linking with <a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com/2014/12/charlies-pasture-north.html" target="_blank">The Bird D'Pot</a>.<br />
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UTC105<br />
11/23/2014<br />
Midday - Late afternoon<br />
70 deg F, windy, clear<br />
Species identified (16): Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, Great Egret, Brown Pelican, Great-tailed Grackle, Eastern Phoebe, Willet, Lesser Scaup, European Starling, Herring Gull, Laughing Gull, Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Snowy Plover, Tricolored Heron <br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-89171881522893357232014-12-13T11:22:00.000-08:002014-12-13T11:22:21.538-08:00San Luis Pass County ParkDate of visit: 11/23/2014<br />
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Someone posted they had seen a Lesser Black-backed Gull in Surfside. The Bluewater Loop of the GTCBT leads there, so I made another day trip to the coast. From Galveston Island I headed south, crossed the San Luis Pass on the toll bridge, and took the first right to the first stop of the day, San Luis Pass County Park. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGxp3skJZaw/VHLGxRL1qdI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/wnq2RuQxqSk/s1600/Neotropic%2BCormorant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGxp3skJZaw/VHLGxRL1qdI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/wnq2RuQxqSk/s1600/Neotropic%2BCormorant.JPG" height="414" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neotropic Cormorant</td></tr>
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I found a Neotropic Cormorant swimming in the little lagoon area between the cabins and the RV campground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cq6DX9eY94E/VHLGgpm-EoI/AAAAAAAAB94/sNVGk5tYmM8/s1600/Herring%2BGull.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cq6DX9eY94E/VHLGgpm-EoI/AAAAAAAAB94/sNVGk5tYmM8/s1600/Herring%2BGull.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herring Gull</td></tr>
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A Herring Gull was fishing in the marshy area next to the beach. This is the first time I've ever seen any gull actually catching his own fish. He stood very still, much like a heron, staring at the water. I saw him with at least two different catches. He tried to pick this one up and march off, but he didn't get very far before dropping it and having to pick it back up. Good thing he'd already made sure it couldn't swim away. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLEHDGLkNFY/VHLGlU1JJ0I/AAAAAAAAB-A/yKh6HFwRgqY/s1600/Loggerhead%2BShrike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLEHDGLkNFY/VHLGlU1JJ0I/AAAAAAAAB-A/yKh6HFwRgqY/s1600/Loggerhead%2BShrike.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loggerhead Shrike</td></tr>
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The Loggerhead Shrike likes thorny bushes. I didn't see any impaled creatures this time, but he makes use of those spikes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXdXeBZqIlk/VHLGmTG74oI/AAAAAAAAB-I/Pr86AYSrUjI/s1600/Monarch%2BButterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXdXeBZqIlk/VHLGmTG74oI/AAAAAAAAB-I/Pr86AYSrUjI/s1600/Monarch%2BButterfly.JPG" height="504" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch Butterfly</td></tr>
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I have heard that Monarch Butterflies are declining in numbers, but I've been seeing more and more of them. It's very possibly because I've just been paying more attention.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLoubPX26JY/VHLG5FKClMI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/DLkxVuLFzgE/s1600/Kitten.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLoubPX26JY/VHLG5FKClMI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/DLkxVuLFzgE/s1600/Kitten.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saw something small and furry near the laundry room. He was thin and there was something missing in his eyes. It looked like he needed someone to take him home and love him. He ran away and hid, so it couldn't be me. Poor little tabby.<br />
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Linking with <a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/2014/12/saturdays-critters-52.html" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a>.<br />
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UTC103<br />
Midday<br />
70 deg F, windy, clear<br />
Bird Species Identified (11): Willet, Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, White Pelican, Great Egret, Neotropic Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Loggerhead Shrike, Herring Gull, Mourning Dove, Ruddy Turnstone<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-53609082592621688312014-12-10T20:44:00.000-08:002014-12-10T20:44:12.051-08:00Frenchtown RoadDate of visit: 11/18/2014<br />
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An Acorn Woodpecker was spotted in Port Bolivar. I haven't seen any of those this year, so even though there was only one sighting on one day, I thought I might get lucky. I read American Oystercatchers could be found on Frenchtown Road. I've never seen one of those. Since this site is on the way to Port Bolivar, it was my chosen destination for a weekend day trip. <br />
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On the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail Map, the directions for this site end with a ferry ride. I live much closer to Galveston than Bolivar, so my trip began with the ferry ride. From the boat, I saw gulls, pelicans, cormorants, and dolphins. It used to be I was lucky to see one or two dolphins every once in a while. Lately, I've seen dolphins every time. On this trip, there were two different groups of four or five hanging out near the landings on each side. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmfB6AkbZVQ/VGwD6SOQ5RI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/hyzzo-DQDV8/s1600/Pelicans%2Band%2BCormorants%2B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmfB6AkbZVQ/VGwD6SOQ5RI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/hyzzo-DQDV8/s1600/Pelicans%2Band%2BCormorants%2B.JPG" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once on the Bolivar side, I parked and walked out onto the jetty for a closer look at the birds and the dolphins, which swam very close. <br />
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No, don't get up. I just want a quick photograph and then I'll be on my way. No need to wake your friends. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDz55P4KAMo/VGwD7RiSPfI/AAAAAAAAB9g/uMAvhts9uOY/s1600/Snowy%2BEgret.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDz55P4KAMo/VGwD7RiSPfI/AAAAAAAAB9g/uMAvhts9uOY/s1600/Snowy%2BEgret.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Snowy Egret was fishing beside the loading ramp.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbPuhu5lTYY/VGwDwbg0f7I/AAAAAAAAB9I/2AmVKqf1Aj4/s1600/Least%2BSandpiper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbPuhu5lTYY/VGwDwbg0f7I/AAAAAAAAB9I/2AmVKqf1Aj4/s1600/Least%2BSandpiper.JPG" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
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There weren't huge numbers of birds on Frenchtown Road, but I did find one or two individuals of at least ten different species. This is one of those sites that can be birded without ever leaving the car. I took the photo of the sleeping Least Sandpipers through an open window. <br />
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"What's with all the sleeping birds? Wake up. I want a photo."<br />
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I must have actually spoken out loud this time because they opened their eyes. Oops. They don't look too concerned, though. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2z-XeHlg7z4/VGwD8JKdfWI/AAAAAAAAB9o/CqCxCU0WWQs/s1600/Mottled%2BDuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2z-XeHlg7z4/VGwD8JKdfWI/AAAAAAAAB9o/CqCxCU0WWQs/s1600/Mottled%2BDuck.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mottled Duck was a bit more wary. He didn't fly away, but he swam toward the vegetation to obscure my view.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCFVo_WFNEk/VGwDzjwkraI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/KeLjb86uDfE/s1600/American%2BOystercatcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCFVo_WFNEk/VGwDzjwkraI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/KeLjb86uDfE/s1600/American%2BOystercatcher.JPG" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes! I located and photographed an American Oystercatcher! He's a lifer.<br />
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I checked every dead oak tree I could find in Port Bolivar and paid special attention to the ones near the restaurant where the woodpecker was seen. No luck. I'll be keeping my eyes open whenever I'm in the area - just in case.<br />
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Linking with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>.<br />
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UTC060<br />
Afternoon<br />
50's, breezy, partly cloudy<br />
Species identified (17): Laughing Gull, Brown Pelican, Rock Pigeon, Double-Crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Great-Tailed Grackle, Red-Winged Blackbird, Mottled Duck, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Forster's Tern, Reddish Egret, Loggerhead Shrike Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-24607686480406471502014-12-08T19:51:00.000-08:002014-12-08T19:58:07.473-08:008-Mile Road and Sportsmen's RoadDate of visit: 11/9/2014<br />
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There seems to be a constant stream of rare birds this year. Unfortunately, I have not the time, money, or energy to chase them all. Fortunately, there are plenty of birds and birding trail sites near home to visit. Someone posted online that the loons had returned to Galveston. I had never seen one and decided the island would be a good destination for the day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n4BsII3VWI/VGA0_v4xqOI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/Q5mc4970D9o/s1600/Great%2BSouthern%2BWhite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--n4BsII3VWI/VGA0_v4xqOI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/Q5mc4970D9o/s1600/Great%2BSouthern%2BWhite.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Southern White </td></tr>
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The driving directions for this site take you first to Moody Gardens, where I started in the butterfly gardens. Here, among the many flowers and herbs, are plaques providing interesting facts such as Texas has approximately 400 butterfly species, more than any other state. Wow! Someday, maybe I'll do a butterfly big year...after my birding big year...after I'm done with this project...I'm going to need a lot of years to accomplish all these things.<br />
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I saw several butterflies, including the Great Southern White with it's turquoise blue antennal clubs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXccKQDGNjw/VGA1OUvPjlI/AAAAAAAAB84/geCusR6EmHo/s1600/mystery%2Brainforest%2Bbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXccKQDGNjw/VGA1OUvPjlI/AAAAAAAAB84/geCusR6EmHo/s1600/mystery%2Brainforest%2Bbird.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unknown bird inside the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid.</td></tr>
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Moody Gardens has many exhibits that are viewable for a fee, including an aquarium, rainforest, IMAX, man-made beach, etc. Tickets are available on an a la carte basis, or daily passes and memberships may be purchased. The butterfly gardens and the walking paths are accessible free of charge.<br />
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I couldn't resist a visit inside the Rainforest Pyramid. Birds flew free, landing in a tree branch beside me or on the path just steps ahead. A monkey suddenly appeared on the railing beside me. A sloth is also free to roam around, but mostly sleeps in the canopy at his favorite spot. If I had to be a captive animal, I'd want to be in a place such as this. <br />
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I used to bring my daughter here when she was little, so it was a bit of a sentimental journey. I miss those days terribly sometimes, and then I witness a toddler throwing a temper tantrum and remember I don't miss everything about those days. <br />
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I'm not sure what the bird in the photograph is called, but I love his beautiful blue eye. If anybody can identify it, please do so in the comments. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF_Y0hsZI-w/VGA1BeTFOVI/AAAAAAAAB8g/6wd76o71FRo/s1600/Common%2BLoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF_Y0hsZI-w/VGA1BeTFOVI/AAAAAAAAB8g/6wd76o71FRo/s1600/Common%2BLoon.JPG" height="414" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Loon</td></tr>
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I found one! The Common Loon was swimming in Offatt Bayou, which is viewable from the walking paths behind the pyramids. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4h50246e-M/VGA1Fj1jtsI/AAAAAAAAB8o/Jn3J7HHAzso/s1600/Brown%2BPelican.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4h50246e-M/VGA1Fj1jtsI/AAAAAAAAB8o/Jn3J7HHAzso/s1600/Brown%2BPelican.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Pelican</td></tr>
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Brown Pelicans were swimming, diving, and perching on the pilings past the Palm Beach area, near the end of the walkway. I think this is the bluest I've seen the water anywhere in Galveston. Except for a little cropping, these photos are straight out of the camera. I didn't alter the color at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVJgQuHbyCk/VGA1G9MfGUI/AAAAAAAAB8w/nW4-TNltUrM/s1600/Neotropic%2BCormorant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVJgQuHbyCk/VGA1G9MfGUI/AAAAAAAAB8w/nW4-TNltUrM/s1600/Neotropic%2BCormorant.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neotropic Cormorant</td></tr>
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The Neotropic Cormorant was feeding near the marina. <br />
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I followed the directions on the map from Moody Gardens to 8-Mile and Sportsmen's Road. I did find some birds, but I got my best photos in and around the pyramids and Offatt Bayou. <br />
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Did you notice a lot of blue in these photos? I did, so I'm linking to <a href="http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/2014/12/blue-monday-christmas-music.html" target="_blank">Blue Monday</a>.<br />
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UTC066<br />
Midday-Evening<br />
High 70 deg F<br />
Sunny, mild breeze<br />
Birds identified (23): European Starling, Great-tailed Grackle, House Sparrow, Common Loon, Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Neotropic Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Least Sandpiper, White Ibis, Northern Mockingbird, Western Sandpiper, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Killdeer, Dunlin, Great Egret, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Ring-billed Gull, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Mottled Duck<br />
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Butterflies: Monarch, Cloudless Sulphur, Gulf Fritillary, Great Southern White, Queen <br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-57765338114433035822014-12-06T12:59:00.002-08:002014-12-06T13:16:21.147-08:00LBJ State Park and Historic SiteThere's a lot of LBJ related stuff in and around Johnson City. I guess they are very proud of their hometown boy, as they should be. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NR_TB8Y97g/VFcBwMJGqDI/AAAAAAAAB8I/VNCwwH2BBCU/s1600/LBJ%2BStatue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NR_TB8Y97g/VFcBwMJGqDI/AAAAAAAAB8I/VNCwwH2BBCU/s1600/LBJ%2BStatue.JPG" height="632" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LBJ Statue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What's President Johnson pointing at? The Pedernales River is what the sign says. He grew up in, on, and around the river, and he seems to have had a great fondness for it. He was known to drive visiting dignitaries across a low-water crossing, creating a dramatic entrance to the LBJ Ranch, aka The Texas White House.<br />
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I arrived before the park had officially opened. The lady in the gift shop told me I could walk around the exhibits and nature trail without a permit, which kept me busy until noon. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7r3ZxPTQ-2k/VFcBvEAP4oI/AAAAAAAAB78/qGjYCpOIWeQ/s1600/Eastern%2BPhoebe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7r3ZxPTQ-2k/VFcBvEAP4oI/AAAAAAAAB78/qGjYCpOIWeQ/s1600/Eastern%2BPhoebe.JPG" height="640" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Phoebe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Close to the headquarters, I found the Eastern Phoebe. There may have been more than one because I had several sightings. He was very busy, landing on tree branches, roofs, poles, and even the handicap plaque next to the ladies' room door. There must have been a lot of bugs to chase.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu2eLaMPX0w/VFcBtNr4BgI/AAAAAAAAB7o/0Tsm6B8lUKM/s1600/American%2BRobin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu2eLaMPX0w/VFcBtNr4BgI/AAAAAAAAB7o/0Tsm6B8lUKM/s1600/American%2BRobin.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Robin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The nature trail was quiet for awhile, until the midpoint where a sudden flurry of bird activity gave my camera a workout. I wasn't sure about these birds at first, because they weren't hopping around on a lawn. They were skulking about in the trees, even though there was quite a bit of open field and lawn for them to visit. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adPZzJKG-w4/VFcBuiZKEaI/AAAAAAAAB70/E2AAbhFulf0/s1600/Deer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adPZzJKG-w4/VFcBuiZKEaI/AAAAAAAAB70/E2AAbhFulf0/s1600/Deer.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallow Deer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While I was watching the American Robins, I was myself being watched. He/she came closer even, to get a better look. Normally, I only catch a fleeting glimpse of the tail and hear the sounds of a large animal crashing through the underbrush as the deer run away. On this day, I heard something that made me ask myself, "<i>What kind of huge bird is making that noise</i>?" It was the deer, talking to each other, very close to the trail. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Haho_etGNys/VFcBuNGaYsI/AAAAAAAAB7w/SAauxrVOySc/s1600/Carolina%2BWren.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Haho_etGNys/VFcBuNGaYsI/AAAAAAAAB7w/SAauxrVOySc/s1600/Carolina%2BWren.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Wren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The wren also tried to trick me with it's strange behavior, moving head-first down the branches. I thought it might be some sort of nuthatch. Nope, it was a Carolina Wren. That's ok, though, because this was the first time I managed to get a decent photo of one.<br />
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The nature trail also passes through the Sauer-Beckmann living history farm, where historical buildings and farm animals are on display. Signs describe what visitors might be able to witness the farmer, in period costume using period methods, doing. Evidently not on a Sunday morning because I saw no one. <br />
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Linking with <a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com/2014/12/highlight-of-year-2014.html" target="_blank">The Bird D'Pot</a>.<br />
<br />
Date of Visit: 11/2/2014<br />
HOTE056<br />
Early morning to midday<br />
60's, 70's, overcast<br />
Species identified (8): Carolina Chickadee, Black-crested Titmouse, Eastern Phoebe, White-winged Dove, American Robin, Carolina Wren, House Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-57293805720552190632014-12-04T17:26:00.001-08:002014-12-04T17:26:11.177-08:00Johnson Settlement at Lyndon B Johnson National Historic ParkDate of visit: 11/1/2014<br />
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After finding the Dusky-capped Flycatcher at Pedernales SP, I had time to explore a couple more sites along the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail - East, beginning with the Johnson Settlement. Here, where our former president's grandparents settled in the 1860's, homes, barns, a windmill, and fences have been restored to the way they would have appeared at that time. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajKtkMF7LLI/VFb3tioLuXI/AAAAAAAAB7U/azVUFvOrHws/s1600/Texas%2BLonghorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajKtkMF7LLI/VFb3tioLuXI/AAAAAAAAB7U/azVUFvOrHws/s1600/Texas%2BLonghorn.JPG" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Johnson's established a cattle-droving headquarters in the area, and Texas Longhorns are on display. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NOJoxJ9-po/VFb3eAoKxkI/AAAAAAAAB64/2WclD23VdKI/s1600/Johnson%2BCabin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NOJoxJ9-po/VFb3eAoKxkI/AAAAAAAAB64/2WclD23VdKI/s1600/Johnson%2BCabin.JPG" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
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The "dogtrot" cabin in which LBJ's grandparents lived is pictured above. I'd never heard of these until my visit, even though they were apparently very common in those days. The cabin on the left was used for sleeping quarters. The cabin on the right contained the kitchen and dining area. The breezeway, or dog trot, in the middle was an outdoor room in the hot summers and used for storage during the winter. Both cabins shared a common roof as well as porches on the front and back.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWrFg6Gzy88/VFb3pSz37JI/AAAAAAAAB7I/zzV1l_pOWwY/s1600/Black%2BSquirrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWrFg6Gzy88/VFb3pSz37JI/AAAAAAAAB7I/zzV1l_pOWwY/s1600/Black%2BSquirrel.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the first time I've seen black squirrels. I finally obtained a Mammals of Texas field guide so I could identify them. They are actually a black morph of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. I sat on a bench on the back porch of the cabin to watch and photograph them. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Azzt_uteHjo/VFb3kZeALRI/AAAAAAAAB7A/aY28bPJ5rIM/s1600/Black%2BMorph%2BEastern%2BGray%2BSquirrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Azzt_uteHjo/VFb3kZeALRI/AAAAAAAAB7A/aY28bPJ5rIM/s1600/Black%2BMorph%2BEastern%2BGray%2BSquirrel.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This one played peek-a-boo beside a corner post. Turns out he was a decoy. While he distracted me, the others snuck closer. I turned my head to find four of his buddies within two feet of my bench. They instantly scattered once noticed. Those sneaky little buggers! They may have just been curious, but I suspect they hoped I might have a snack they could steal. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PJt-7yhdas/VFb3tFBB9YI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/QboDAE0zmX8/s1600/Ladder-backed%2BWoodpecker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7PJt-7yhdas/VFb3tFBB9YI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/QboDAE0zmX8/s1600/Ladder-backed%2BWoodpecker.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Near the windmill, I heard a repeated knocking which I first attributed to the rotation of the antique blades. Nope, the source was actually a nearby Ladder-backed Woodpecker.<br />
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Linking with <a href="http://run-a-roundranch.blogspot.com/2014/12/good-fences-37.html" target="_blank">Good Fences</a>.<br />
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HOTE053<br />
Late afternoon - evening<br />
Clear, 66 F<br />
Species Identified (5): Northern Mockingbird, Turkey Vulture, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, White-winged Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker <br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-37775211243975879232014-12-01T14:46:00.000-08:002014-12-01T14:46:00.477-08:00Pedernales Falls State ParkDate of visit: 10/31 - 11/01/2014<br />
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In October of this year, a Dusky-capped Flycatcher was spotted at Pedernales Falls State Park. I haven't spent much time in the Hill Country this year, so I picked him as my next chase bird. It's the first official record in this part of Texas, so he was rare indeed. <br />
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I arrived late Friday, and thought I saw him almost immediately, but he wasn't calling. His unique call was what I was depending upon for a positive id and I had been listening to a recording on the way. I also didn't get any photos. <br />
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Campsites had been booked since spring per the park headquarters, so I headed into town and found a room with plans of returning in the morning. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95X_GCGPmeA/VFbpMAKbF3I/AAAAAAAAB6I/K4unubT5gwk/s1600/Lesser%2BGoldfinch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95X_GCGPmeA/VFbpMAKbF3I/AAAAAAAAB6I/K4unubT5gwk/s1600/Lesser%2BGoldfinch.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Goldfinches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I spent several hours the next morning in and around the bird blinds. I have great difficulty distinguishing the American Goldfinch from the Lesser Goldfinch. A fellow birder helped with the id. The back is a little different and they don't have the white undertail coverts of the American, I can see after studying the pictures and my field guides. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJqGNK1QYoA/VFbpUgk02TI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/MzfH49okZHg/s1600/Western%2BScrub%2BJay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJqGNK1QYoA/VFbpUgk02TI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/MzfH49okZHg/s1600/Western%2BScrub%2BJay.JPG" height="640" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Scrub Jay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unlike the Blue Jays I'm used to seeing, which are bold enough to steal food right off your picnic table if you're not paying attention, the Western Scrub Jay is very shy and difficult to photograph even in the bird blind.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhA-Nlzzuh0/VFbpV2HQd4I/AAAAAAAAB6g/1k1cllH4WXQ/s1600/Pedernales%2BFalls%2BState%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhA-Nlzzuh0/VFbpV2HQd4I/AAAAAAAAB6g/1k1cllH4WXQ/s1600/Pedernales%2BFalls%2BState%2BPark.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had heard the Dusky-capped Flycatcher calling and he made a few brief appearances, but I still didn't have a photograph. I left the area for awhile to see some of the rest of the park. There wasn't much water in the falls. It was just a trickle that looked like a wet spot on the rocks in my photographs. The view downstream made a better picture. <br />
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I did some hiking on and around the river, but didn't find any birds away from the blinds except by the headquarters. The feeders there were attracting Cardinals and Titmice. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbLP1AOxnwI/VFbpWZAkVeI/AAAAAAAAB6k/T7cdkPI5XW8/s1600/Pipevine%2BSwallowtail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbLP1AOxnwI/VFbpWZAkVeI/AAAAAAAAB6k/T7cdkPI5XW8/s1600/Pipevine%2BSwallowtail.JPG" height="542" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipevine Swallowtail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I returned to the blinds and watched the butterflies in the garden. The other birders could identify all of them, as well. "If we can't find birds, we do butterflies," they said. Sounds a lot like me. I'm considering starting a life list for them. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_3Tm8M5xU8/VFbpN8vzNLI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/_vydjWF_W_I/s1600/Dusky-capped%2BFlycatcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_3Tm8M5xU8/VFbpN8vzNLI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/_vydjWF_W_I/s1600/Dusky-capped%2BFlycatcher.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusky-capped Flycatcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I went back inside one of the blinds and was informed he was in a tree in the center. "He is? Then what am I looking at over here?" <br />
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"Oh, that's him," and they all rushed over to take pictures through the photography window. Normally, you expect to have your turn at the window without everyone else crowding in. I happily made an exception in this circumstance. We all finally got our photographs. <br />
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Linking with <a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/2014/11/saturdays-critters-50.html" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a>.<br />
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HOTE050<br />
10/31 Evening and 11/1 Morning-Noon<br />
Low 47, High 66<br />
Clear and Sunny<br />
Species identified (13): Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, White-winged Dove, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Mockingbird, Black-crested Titmouse, Western Scrub Jay, Turkey Vulture, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch<br />
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Also Butterflies: Monarch, Queen, Gulf Frittillary, Pipevine Swallowtail<br />
Mammals: Eastern Fox Squirrel, Hispid Cotton Rat <br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-57553364236012289582014-11-27T10:01:00.000-08:002014-11-27T10:01:50.203-08:00Magnolia Beach<br />
The last stop on this weekend birding trip was Magnolia Beach. It served as my dinner break on the way home. Although, there were picnic tables available, it was very windy, so I simply parked on the beach and ate in my car while watching the sea birds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afG3UQadRRg/VExTAnpH8jI/AAAAAAAAB54/Rt2tF9M_4BM/s1600/Royal%2BTern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-afG3UQadRRg/VExTAnpH8jI/AAAAAAAAB54/Rt2tF9M_4BM/s1600/Royal%2BTern.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Tern<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After eating my sandwich, I got out and explored the grassy area where I found the Royal Tern and Brown Pelicans. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEkIdE99dkA/VExS-gccC4I/AAAAAAAAB5o/0d4VMFniiBc/s1600/Laughing%2BGull.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEkIdE99dkA/VExS-gccC4I/AAAAAAAAB5o/0d4VMFniiBc/s1600/Laughing%2BGull.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughing Gull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I returned to my car and drove along the hard-packed, gravelly beach where I found gulls, turnstones, and sanderlings. The beach is very drivable in any car. I found no soft sand anywhere. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGyTu5drk7E/VExS32VupWI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/EGo_OzpQSTs/s1600/Boat-tailed%2BGrackle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGyTu5drk7E/VExS32VupWI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/EGo_OzpQSTs/s1600/Boat-tailed%2BGrackle.JPG" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat-tailed Grackle </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On the narrow strip of land between the beach on one side of the road and the rice fields on the other, I found grackles and shrikes. The rounder head and darker eye of the Boat-tailed Grackle is an easier distinguishing field mark from the Great-tailed than the longer tail feathers. Unless they are standing side by side, it's not that obvious a difference to me. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo9s6uGYvEA/VExS4_LljUI/AAAAAAAAB5g/DWr2_9cWiPk/s1600/Loggerhead%2BShrike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo9s6uGYvEA/VExS4_LljUI/AAAAAAAAB5g/DWr2_9cWiPk/s1600/Loggerhead%2BShrike.JPG" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loggerhead Shrike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Loggerhead Shrike sometimes tricks me in flight. He's got white on his wings very similar to a mockingbird. I'm wondering how many I misidentified in the beginning of my birding days. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGMVQkVuUdw/VExS_tr7RTI/AAAAAAAAB5w/R1CGVf-mecc/s1600/Rice%2Bfields.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGMVQkVuUdw/VExS_tr7RTI/AAAAAAAAB5w/R1CGVf-mecc/s1600/Rice%2Bfields.JPG" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just as I was starting to find some interesting birds in the rice fields, my camera battery died. It was almost time to go anyway, so I watched the sun set and then headed home.<br />
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I have since obtained two extra batteries to bring along. <br />
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Linking with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2014/11/wild-bird-wednesday-124-robin.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a><br />
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CTC031<br />
Date of visit: 10/19/2014<br />
Evening<br />
80's, partly cloudy, windy<br />
Species identified (11): Royal Tern, Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Boat-tailed Grackle, Great Egret, Loggerhead Shrike, Mourning Dove, Black-crowned Night Heron, Franklin's GullJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-27713924072685599402014-11-16T14:51:00.000-08:002014-11-16T14:51:41.644-08:00Texas State Aquarium<br />
I touched a shark and I liked it...in one of the touch tanks at Texas State Aquarium, that is. I'd always heard they had rough, sandpaper-like skin, but not this one. He was about a foot long with soft, smooth skin that he seemed to enjoy having rubbed because he kept swimming past for more. When the sharks tired of our attention, they simply retreated to areas of the tank that were out of reach. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTgcvW8LH1I/VEvhG2hfH6I/AAAAAAAAB4o/gA0W5czfwz0/s1600/Sea%2BTurtle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTgcvW8LH1I/VEvhG2hfH6I/AAAAAAAAB4o/gA0W5czfwz0/s1600/Sea%2BTurtle.JPG" height="498" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have mixed feelings about animals held in captivity. The aquarium does seem to have a focus on education, conservation and rescue of injured animals, but it saddens me to see them in cages, so I'm only posting one pic of a captive animal. Yes, I think he might be missing a limb. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_kCrEyYX4c/VEvhO9okl6I/AAAAAAAAB4w/1VPop77qzE8/s1600/House%2BSparrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_kCrEyYX4c/VEvhO9okl6I/AAAAAAAAB4w/1VPop77qzE8/s1600/House%2BSparrow.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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The House Sparrows thought the outdoor displays were created as birdbaths just for them. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbCRkOWFsqY/VEvhUMtVeHI/AAAAAAAAB5A/WpTfXAIkSrg/s1600/Herring%2BGull.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbCRkOWFsqY/VEvhUMtVeHI/AAAAAAAAB5A/WpTfXAIkSrg/s1600/Herring%2BGull.JPG" height="480" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to the aquarium, the birding trail map gives directions to the Nueces Bay Causeway. That is where I found the Herring Gull. His size makes him unmistakable. He dwarfs the Laughing Gull.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxxHxO0mOf0/VEvhRK8-b9I/AAAAAAAAB44/UHEITyV0Uzg/s1600/Willet%2Btossing%2BShell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxxHxO0mOf0/VEvhRK8-b9I/AAAAAAAAB44/UHEITyV0Uzg/s1600/Willet%2Btossing%2BShell.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It wasn't until I uploaded the photos of the Willet that I noticed he tossed a shell. To help crack it open? <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjNGUb9cHlY/VEvhUZT1KeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/u-ct7M6T0Lo/s1600/Willet%2Bwith%2Bfood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjNGUb9cHlY/VEvhUZT1KeI/AAAAAAAAB5E/u-ct7M6T0Lo/s1600/Willet%2Bwith%2Bfood.JPG" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
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Is that the creature he pulled from the shell?<br />
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I'm linking up this week with <a href="http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Camera Critters</a>.<br />
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10/19/2014<br />
CTC072<br />
Midday, 80's, Partly Cloudy<br />
Species Identified (11): House Sparrow, Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, Forster's Tern, Great-tailed Grackle, Herring Gull, Ruddy Turnstone, Willet, Rock Pigeon, Snowy Egret, Great Egret Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-65881544483971615172014-11-11T19:21:00.000-08:002014-11-11T19:21:40.398-08:00Blucher ParkSince 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. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTNxXTsonRA/VEXcH6XMY8I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/eP3xr-cUB1E/s1600/Blucher%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTNxXTsonRA/VEXcH6XMY8I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/eP3xr-cUB1E/s1600/Blucher%2BPark.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
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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. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDlhhMzAi5U/VEXcLRmDrdI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/gEuiJhZ0uNU/s1600/Gray%2BCatbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDlhhMzAi5U/VEXcLRmDrdI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/gEuiJhZ0uNU/s1600/Gray%2BCatbird.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0yZMoDV71Y/VEXcBlONYGI/AAAAAAAAB4I/fJSzzcEDSRs/s1600/Southern%2BLeopard%2BFrogs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0yZMoDV71Y/VEXcBlONYGI/AAAAAAAAB4I/fJSzzcEDSRs/s1600/Southern%2BLeopard%2BFrogs.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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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?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WJ5PVNUC1w/VEXb6Tyax-I/AAAAAAAAB38/Y_zx0i0NV7I/s1600/Common%2BCheckered-Skipper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WJ5PVNUC1w/VEXb6Tyax-I/AAAAAAAAB38/Y_zx0i0NV7I/s1600/Common%2BCheckered-Skipper.JPG" height="640" width="616" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIfO5oJ-0zM/VEXb52xc7bI/AAAAAAAAB34/jpx9ihUPyxk/s1600/Ceraunus%2BBlue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIfO5oJ-0zM/VEXb52xc7bI/AAAAAAAAB34/jpx9ihUPyxk/s1600/Ceraunus%2BBlue.JPG" height="640" width="566" /></a></div>
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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 <a href="http://macromonday2.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-duckling.html" target="_blank">Macro Monday 2</a>. <br />
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10/19/2014<br />
CTC071<br />
Morning, 70's, Partly cloudy<br />
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<br />
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Also butterflies: Bordered Patch, White-checkered Skipper, and Ceraunus Blue <br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-6729073549255270452014-11-07T19:41:00.000-08:002014-11-07T19:41:23.931-08:00Swantner ParkTrip Date: 10/18/2014<br />
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My regular readers may recall that I went to Corpus Christi in search of the Bar-tailed Godwit, but couldn't find him. He was relocated in a small bayfront park along Ocean Drive, so I headed back again for another try. According to my field guide, this is a common bird in Alaska, who normally flies nonstop in fall to southwest Pacific wintering grounds. Texas is far from Alaska or the Pacific, but he found his way here. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZImPKa9bk/VEXRZkP1RKI/AAAAAAAAB3c/IT0Vz14FXys/s1600/Swantner%2BPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZImPKa9bk/VEXRZkP1RKI/AAAAAAAAB3c/IT0Vz14FXys/s1600/Swantner%2BPark.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my entry for <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/2014/11/skywatch-friday-november-6-2014-edition.html" target="_blank">Skywatch Friday</a>. Those clouds dumped quite a bit of rain on the city that weekend. Visibility was so bad that highway traffic was moving only 20 mph at times. I crossed the causeway without realizing I'd even reached the bridge, so intent was my concentration on the road so I wouldn't end up in deep water or the back seat of the car ahead. The original plan was to continue south to the Lower Rio Grande Valley if I found my bird quickly. Flood warnings changed my mind. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9m7tpzlD6Hc/VEXRSlReQ_I/AAAAAAAAB3I/KWoIgOKQBS8/s1600/Long-billed%2BCurlew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9m7tpzlD6Hc/VEXRSlReQ_I/AAAAAAAAB3I/KWoIgOKQBS8/s1600/Long-billed%2BCurlew.JPG" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-billed Curlew</td></tr>
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The Bar-tailed Godwit was reported to be hanging out with a mixed flock of Marbled Godwits and Long-billed Curlews. The curlews were visible from the road as soon as I reached the park. I pulled into the parking lot, grabbed my binoculars, and scanned the nearby godwits to find the one that was not like the others. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1--ibjB6XQ/VEXRO-cOcVI/AAAAAAAAB28/kE68RFypVOI/s1600/Godwits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1--ibjB6XQ/VEXRO-cOcVI/AAAAAAAAB28/kE68RFypVOI/s1600/Godwits.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marbled (left, darker) and Bar-tailed Godwit</td></tr>
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There he is, grooming in the rain like God turned on the shower just for him. He has an incredibly bendy neck. <br />
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I took a few photos, then got back in my car to find a nearby hotel room where I could wait out the storm.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eX7915OcwZs/VEXT_7nhWtI/AAAAAAAAB3o/FDM0wpAxJQk/s1600/Franklin's%2BGulls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eX7915OcwZs/VEXT_7nhWtI/AAAAAAAAB3o/FDM0wpAxJQk/s1600/Franklin's%2BGulls.JPG" height="564" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Franklin's Gulls</td></tr>
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There were still a couple of hours of daylight left after the rain stopped, so I headed back out to see what else was hanging out at Swantner Park. I asked another birder and he said, "Lots of Franklin's Gulls." <br />
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What? I assumed I was looking at Laughing Gulls. I should have paid more attention. The Franklin has a half hood, whereas the Laughing only has earmuffs. The wing pattern of his buddy confirms the ID. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_x9p6zIu6c0/VEXRS1jP2wI/AAAAAAAAB3M/MUQV8EAVN5g/s1600/Sanderling%2Band%2BTurnstones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_x9p6zIu6c0/VEXRS1jP2wI/AAAAAAAAB3M/MUQV8EAVN5g/s1600/Sanderling%2Band%2BTurnstones.JPG" height="506" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanderling (front, lighter) and Ruddy Turnstones</td></tr>
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Approaching the bay, I noticed there were steps leading down to the water, similar to those found on the seawall, but not as tall. There I found waders and shorebirds such as these Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderling. <br />
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This is not a numbered birding trail site, though it is found along the Central Texas Coast section of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.<br />
10/18/2014<br />
Early Afternoon<br />
80's<br />
Rain<br />
Species Identified (15): Marbled Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Killdeer, American White Pelican, Franklin's Gull, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Willet, Laughing Gull, Great-tailed Grackle, Rock Pigeon<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-70198748424084041382014-11-05T16:41:00.000-08:002014-11-05T16:41:47.891-08:00Lion's / Shelley Park (Refugio)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last stop on this 3-day birding trip was a dinner break on my way home. The small town park had a nice little nature trail on which to stretch my legs. All of these beautiful trees must contain birds, but they weren't very active. There was only a Turkey Vulture flying overhead and the occasional small flock too distant to identify as the birds crossed the sky.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmXwQgcGlDc/VEGXUfCvw6I/AAAAAAAAB2s/Pm6UgwD3sls/s1600/trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmXwQgcGlDc/VEGXUfCvw6I/AAAAAAAAB2s/Pm6UgwD3sls/s1600/trail.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a Red-eared Slider enjoying the river.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33R0gNV5bZc/VEGW2NTmVeI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Q9QjvwcK7QE/s1600/Red-eared%2BSlider.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33R0gNV5bZc/VEGW2NTmVeI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/Q9QjvwcK7QE/s1600/Red-eared%2BSlider.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ate my dinner in the shady picnic area.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTDIJUep0-U/VEGXTC2VD3I/AAAAAAAAB2k/s2VLyzVfZ54/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTDIJUep0-U/VEGXTC2VD3I/AAAAAAAAB2k/s2VLyzVfZ54/s1600/picnic.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't want to leave without a picture of something feathered, so I took another lap around the nature trail. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7XYnUYWDaU/VEGW1m0UhjI/AAAAAAAAB2M/p-ubkaduuQA/s1600/Ladder-backed%2BWoodpecker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7XYnUYWDaU/VEGW1m0UhjI/AAAAAAAAB2M/p-ubkaduuQA/s1600/Ladder-backed%2BWoodpecker.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally! I found a Ladder-backed Woodpecker willing to be photographed. Another lifer. I believe I live just outside their range. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1FbiCQ1n0s/VEGW6Yi5XgI/AAAAAAAAB2c/N-_TlzwnQgw/s1600/Ladder-backed%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1FbiCQ1n0s/VEGW6Yi5XgI/AAAAAAAAB2c/N-_TlzwnQgw/s1600/Ladder-backed%2B2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I watched for a little while, took some photos, and then drove another several hours home. <br />
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I'm linking with <a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Outdoor Wednesday</a>.<br />
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<img alt="Outdoor Wednesday: Click on the picture below to learn more..." src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c5cqZhJHQ4M/SWb1OpoehsI/AAAAAAAAAYA/QcO3xhJmhMY/S220/Outdoor+Wednesday+logo.png" /><br />
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CTC038<br />
Evening<br />
Sunny, Clear, 80's<br />
Species Identified (2): Turkey Vulture, Ladder-backed Woodpecker<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-21323758651536308602014-11-03T18:06:00.003-08:002014-11-03T18:06:40.161-08:00Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP / World Birding Center HQ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After finding the redstart, I still had the whole weekend before I needed to be back home, so I headed further south to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. I asked the ranger on duty at the office where to find the birds in the midday and they said, "Right here by the headquarters. We're not feeding them at the stations yet." </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ir-6JbcDjE8/VEFbACOpQnI/AAAAAAAAB1k/9g0k8f86Kr8/s1600/Curve-billed%2BThrasher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ir-6JbcDjE8/VEFbACOpQnI/AAAAAAAAB1k/9g0k8f86Kr8/s1600/Curve-billed%2BThrasher.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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She was right. I found more birds at the entrance than I did anywhere else, including the Curve-billed Thrasher... <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Brq0NP01W5E/VEFbD69FszI/AAAAAAAAB1s/BS9FvH2KDGQ/s1600/Black%2BPhoebe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Brq0NP01W5E/VEFbD69FszI/AAAAAAAAB1s/BS9FvH2KDGQ/s1600/Black%2BPhoebe.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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...Black Phoebe...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WboIntGwR0/VEFa3gUE6nI/AAAAAAAAB1c/sZ7DYEYnHkU/s1600/Buff-bellied%2BHummingbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WboIntGwR0/VEFa3gUE6nI/AAAAAAAAB1c/sZ7DYEYnHkU/s1600/Buff-bellied%2BHummingbird.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and Buff-bellied Hummingbird. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMLtD_ye5o8/VEFbIG3y5yI/AAAAAAAAB10/S7SVlbRCeYM/s1600/Tram%2BStop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMLtD_ye5o8/VEFbIG3y5yI/AAAAAAAAB10/S7SVlbRCeYM/s1600/Tram%2BStop.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cars are not allowed to travel throughout the park. Visitors explore by foot, on bicycles, or via the free tram that was running once an hour. Schedules do change by the season, so check ahead. <br />
I plan to bring my bicycle next time I visit, but they do have some to rent if you don't own your own.<br />
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I took a ride on the tram to get acquainted with the layout of the park and learned from the driver that I arrived a few days too early to see the birds at feeders. He said once the natural food sources become scarce, they get quite a few feathered visitors throughout the park.<br />
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"And we're doing hawk watch tomorrow morning if you can come back."<br />
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Well, of course I can.<br />
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None of the hawks came close enough to the tower for a good photo. I did get a shot of the Couch's Kingbird that sat atop a tree, watching us watch the hawks. <br />
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The next morning was cool with no breeze, not a good day to see the huge numbers of hawks often observed during the height of migration. The hawks wait for the air to warm and then ride the thermals upward. "They are in unfamiliar territory and don't know when or where they will find their next meal. You won't often see them wasting calories flapping," said the man leading the watch. I should have taken pen and paper to take notes. He was full of information that he was happy to share and I know I can't remember it all.<br />
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I asked questions like "how do you know you're not counting the same birds multiple times?" Because they count each kettle and then wait for them to clear out before counting the next group, and they only count the ones headed south. "Do you estimate, or count 1, 2, 3, 4?" Sometimes they have to estimate, but if the birds are streaming they pick a landmark and count them as they pass it. Or they can hold binoculars steady and count as the birds pass through their field of view. <br />
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There was a family with three children that joined the watch, as well. All were better birders than I. The boy had a pen and paper, and he wrote down the lifers he helped me to identify, some by their calls alone. Seven! I think he was more excited than I was each time we found a new one, racing back to his notebook. <br />
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My timing was off, but it's hard to call a day with seven lifers anything but a good day of birding. <br />
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I'm linking up with the <a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com/2014/11/bittern-sweet-memories-part-two.html" target="_blank">Bird D'pot</a>.<br />
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LTC069<br />
10/4/2014 Midday Clear, Sunny Low 90's<br />
and 10/5/2014 Morning - Overcast, Cool(ish), No wind<br />
Species Identified (20): Great-tailed Grackle, Curve-billed Thrasher, Black Phoebe, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Northern Cardinal, Turkey Vulture, Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Couch's Kingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Plain Chachalaca, Northern Harrier, Altamira Oriole, Swainson's Hawk, White-eyed Vireo, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-25382677795299989562014-10-29T20:08:00.000-07:002014-10-29T20:08:53.225-07:00TxDOT Brooks County Rest AreaThe first weekend in October, I celebrated my birthday by taking Friday off work and heading south in search of yet another rare bird. Yes, I've been doing a lot of that lately. This one has been seen in the evenings, so I allowed myself to sleep in. I took my time having breakfast, packing, doing a few chores so I wouldn't come home to a filthy apartment, and I was off to the Brooks County Rest Area, aka the Falfurrias rest stop. I arrived in the late afternoon. Sitting at one of the picnic tables, watching me, waiting to be noticed, was one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. <br />
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The Painted Redstart is a western species far from his normal range. It has been said he might be the same bird that spent a couple of months here last year. I think it has to be. What are the odds of two individuals finding their way here?<br />
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I took several photographs before he flew off into the trees. He didn't go far, though, and I swear he expected me to follow. He seems to know he's the main attraction. Someone remarked on the Texbirds sight that he is "quite a ham". I agree. He even sang his beautiful song right to me. <br />
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I spent a little time admiring the redstart, then took a look around the rest of the site. I'm normally excited to see woodpeckers, but I was trying to photograph a Green Jay. I'd focus, push the button, and then the jay was gone, a Golden-fronted Woodpecker in his place. <br />
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The woodpeckers were after the Great Kiskadee, too. They didn't want to share the fruit hanging from the palm tree. He wasn't here long before they ran him off. He returned several times to steal a bite or two at a time. <br />
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I stayed until sunset on Friday, enjoyed my dinner in the picnic area, and found a hotel to spend the night before heading further south in search of Rio Grande Valley specialties. <br />
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I stopped by again on my way back north and found a Summer Tanager. The woodpeckers were still chasing the Kiskadee, Jays, and Kingbirds, and the Redstart was still there. I saw some people who looked like birders - they're the ones with binoculars, staring up at the trees - and decided it was my chance to pay it forward. So many have been helping me, and it was finally my turn to be helpful.<br />
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"Are you looking for the redstart?" I asked. "I just saw him beside the restrooms," and I led them to him. <br />
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Add this site to my short list of favorites. The birds seem active all day. I think I'll be stopping here every time I head south on US281. <br />
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I'm linking up this week with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2014/10/wild-bird-wednesday-120-laughing.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>.<br />
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LTC004<br />
10/3/2014 Evening, and 10/5/2014 Midday<br />
Upper 80's<br />
Clear, Sunny skies<br />
Species Identified (12): Painted Redstart, Green Jay, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Eurasian Collared-dove, American Goldfinch, Great Kiskadee, Couch's Kingbird, Summer Tanager, Lesser Goldfinch<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-59355027082543050112014-10-27T17:23:00.000-07:002014-10-27T17:23:39.311-07:00Oso Bay Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wasn't sure I'd found a separate park so I had to do a bit of online research to confirm. The path below leads all the way to Hans A Suter Wildlife Area, and it's difficult to say where one ends and other begins. After failing to locate the Godwits earlier in the day at Suter, I explored Oso Bay Park until sunset. </div>
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There were flyovers of Spoonbills, Cormorants, and Ibis. A Willet hunted in the surf. <br />
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I also found a Semipalmated Plover...<br />
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...and a Western Sandpiper, but no Godwits.<br />
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These little peeps are challenging to identify. I took a second glance at this one's legs and thought they might be yellowish, then remembered they were muddy. I have other photos in which I can see the bill is slightly downcurved. Black legs plus downcurved bill equals Western Sandpiper. <br />
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The Neotropic Cormorants used large pieces of debris scattered about the bay as perches.<br />
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I'm linking up this week with <a href="http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/2014/10/camera-critters-342.html" target="_blank">Camera Critters</a>. <br />
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CTC068<br />
8/31/2014<br />
Evening<br />
90 deg F<br />
Windy<br />
Species identified (13): Brown Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Willet, Western Sandpiper, Laughing Gull, Black-necked Stilt, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Neotropic Cormorant, Mourning Dove, Snowy Egret, Northern Cardinal, Semipalmated Plover<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-39996515179995364272014-10-25T15:05:00.000-07:002014-10-25T15:05:22.164-07:00Hans A Suter Wildlife Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oops! I just realized I posted out of order again. I still have a couple of August posts to make. The weekend of August 31 I made a trip to Corpus Christi in search of another rarity, the Bar-tailed Godwit that had been seen around Oso Bay. Whether or not my trip was a success depends on your definition. I visited two more sites of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, which is the original purpose of this blog. I did not get the added bonus of a rare bird sighting. Not this time, anyway... </div>
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Splashdown! The America White Pelicans had already returned. A local man at the wildlife area told me they arrived more than a month ago. I'm learning not to take the descriptions of best season to visit these sites too literally. The birds don't. Winter species can be found in July.<br />
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This photo of Oso Bay was taken from the railing on Ennis Joslin Road. I not only visited Hans Suter, I accessed the flats via a small footpath worn into the weeded area on the roadside. That's Texas A&M on the other side. I found egrets, herons, terns, gulls, and skimmers on the sand and in the shallows. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNlsL5VOPj8/VAumGBCv1xI/AAAAAAAAByk/U0HzzzhMmiA/s1600/Little%2BBlue%2BHeron%2BJuvenile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNlsL5VOPj8/VAumGBCv1xI/AAAAAAAAByk/U0HzzzhMmiA/s1600/Little%2BBlue%2BHeron%2BJuvenile.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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At first glance, I thought it was a Great Egret, but the bill was wrong. It didn't have yellow feet, so it couldn't be a Snowy. I studied my field guides and decided it must be a juvenile Little Blue Heron, but the leg color still wasn't quite right. Then, I saw a similar bird on <a href="http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hootin' Anni's blog</a>. Due to it's size and dark legs, I'm calling it a white-morph Reddish Egret. <br />
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The Great Egret is below, for comparison. I found him near the overpass on Ocean Drive. <br />
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I walked all the way from Hans Suter, up onto Ocean Drive and the bridge that crosses Oso Bay, to Texas A&M in search of the Godwit. I didn't find him or the Marbled Godwits with which he'd been seen. </div>
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One last visit to the boardwalk and viewing area at Hans Suter before I left rewarded me with views of the Great Blue Heron, pelicans, stilts, and sandpipers. <br />
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This week, I'm linking up with <a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com/2014/10/bittern-sweet-memories-part-one.html" target="_blank">I'd Rather B' Birdin'</a>.<br />
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CTC069<br />
Late afternoon 8/31 - midday 9/1/2014<br />
90 deg F<br />
Partly cloudy, windy<br />
Species identified (17): American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Willet, Western Sandpiper, Laughing Gull, Black-necked Stilt, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Reddish Egret, Black Skimmer, Sanderling, White Ibis, Crested Caracara, Mottled Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Snowy Egret<br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-67128735598551541512014-10-22T19:23:00.002-07:002014-10-22T19:23:46.924-07:00Bear Creek ParkFinally, I'm done with the older posts and working on the newish ones. I may never be completely current. <br />
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On September 28, I chased a bird closer to home. Just because it was spotted in the Houston area doesn't mean I didn't drive an hour and a half each way, though. <br />
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Bear Creek Park is on the northwest side of the city. My information was that a rare bird was spotted near restroom number 9. I wasn't familiar with the park and the first restrooms I saw had no numbers. How do you know if it's number nine? <br />
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I found quite a large group of Black Vultures at the pond near the War Memorial. <br />
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I found these beside the same pond. My first thought was <i>did a whistling duck hook up with an ugly domestic muscovy? They need to stop that..</i>. I was able to identify it as an Egyptian Goose by looking through my field guides. These are imported as ornamentals and some of them escape. <br />
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They brought it here on purpose? Why? Our native species are much more attractive. <br />
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I worked my way around the park, past the zoo area, past the ballfields, around to the picnic pavilions. Here is where I found Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, House Finches, and Titmice. I thought maybe I found my special bird, but I wasn't positive. <br />
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I continued further into the park and finally found the wooded area with the numbered restrooms. The special bird wasn't here, but I found plenty more bluebirds, chickadees, and titmice. I got my first ever good photograph of a Tufted Titmouse.<br />
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I went home, uploaded my photos, and confirmed... <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDzsEh5PlhY/VCtWZIO7AbI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/9_w5uZTVCfg/s1600/Greater%2BPewee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDzsEh5PlhY/VCtWZIO7AbI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/9_w5uZTVCfg/s1600/Greater%2BPewee.JPG" height="640" width="556" /></a></div>
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...it was him by the pavilions! He's got the longer tail, slender crest, pale lower mandible, and blended underparts that identify him as the Greater Pewee. What's more interesting than the fact that he is supposed to be found in the western U.S. and Mexico is that he's not lost. This is believed to be his third winter here in Bear Creek Park. <br />
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I wonder where he spends his summers? If someone were to tag him, would he avoid returning next year? <br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2014/10/wild-bird-wednesday-119-australian.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. <br />
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UTC097<br />
September 2014<br />
Midday<br />
Sunny<br />
Upper 80's<br />
Species Identified(14): Great Egret, Black Vulture, Egyptian Goose, Graylag Goose - domestic, Muscovy Duck - domestic variety, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Greater Pewee, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Pine WarblerJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-81959038274186284712014-10-18T18:28:00.001-07:002014-10-18T18:28:23.139-07:00Mad Island WMA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Mad Island Wildlife Management Area and the Clive Runnels Family Mad Island Marsh Preserve are both closed to the public, but access may be arranged on special occasions. When a White-cheeked Pintail was spotted on the WMA, someone was kind enough to organize such a visit. </div>
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May 3, 2014, a group of birders, myself included, relocated the bird. If you were to enlarge the picture below, you'd see the duck off by himself to the right of the larger group has a sharply delineated white cheek. </div>
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The White-cheeked Pintail is a vagrant from the Caribbean. There was some controversy over whether this one should be counted as a wild bird or if he is an escapee. I'm not sure what was officially decided, but I'm counting him on my life list. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRxZW2IHO0c/U2bo1SRGboI/AAAAAAAABs8/vUxpBJxKZNs/s1600/Mad+Island+WMA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRxZW2IHO0c/U2bo1SRGboI/AAAAAAAABs8/vUxpBJxKZNs/s1600/Mad+Island+WMA.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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One benefit of a large group of birders is more eyes to spot and identify the birds. A drawback is that we can't get very close. I got a good look at the White-cheeked Pintail through someone's scope.<br />
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Several people generously shared their equipment and expertise on this day. After I reacted with great excitement at seeing my first Glossy Ibis, they came and got me when they found another. I have found birders to be incredibly friendly people. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUv3_v_wDKI/U2bo9nxrO_I/AAAAAAAABtQ/8nVVmo_bM4A/s1600/Rattlesnake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUv3_v_wDKI/U2bo9nxrO_I/AAAAAAAABtQ/8nVVmo_bM4A/s1600/Rattlesnake.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first arrived, I noticed several people in knee-high rubber boots. I asked if we were going to actually need to wade in the water and was a little confused when they gave negative responses. It wasn't too long before I realized the purpose of the boots.<br />
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The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake was vigorously making his presence known. "Be careful," someone warned. "A snake that size can strike 20 feet." <br />
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Snakes can generally strike half of their body distance, and this was certainly not a 40-foot snake, but I allowed him plenty of space anyway. That's what zoom lenses are for. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6DFfbs7L0/U2bpBzYo_TI/AAAAAAAABtc/yjq0jlh2-_E/s1600/Swift+Long-winged+Skimmer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6DFfbs7L0/U2bpBzYo_TI/AAAAAAAABtc/yjq0jlh2-_E/s1600/Swift+Long-winged+Skimmer.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found the Swift Long-winged Skimmer not far from the rattler. I hear tell of people that go "bugging" as well as birding. I already have enough expensive habits. I will photograph them when I cross paths with them, though.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFt2IJfQy98/U2bo2dzK8uI/AAAAAAAABtI/dDXD8Qn4lDk/s1600/Canvasback.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFt2IJfQy98/U2bo2dzK8uI/AAAAAAAABtI/dDXD8Qn4lDk/s1600/Canvasback.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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At least 53 species were identified by our group. Most were too far away for close-ups. Above is a Canvasback, a lifer for me. He's the one in the grass not sleeping.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQxQ5r_bGY4/U2bpCfkLFdI/AAAAAAAABtg/DLdEkeeJBQ0/s1600/Yellowlegs+and+Phalarope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQxQ5r_bGY4/U2bpCfkLFdI/AAAAAAAABtg/DLdEkeeJBQ0/s1600/Yellowlegs+and+Phalarope.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Wilson's Phalarope, seen here to the right of a Lesser Yellowlegs, was another.<br />
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I'm linking up this week with <a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/2014/10/saturdays-critters-46.html" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a>.<br />
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CTC007<br />
5/3/2014<br />
8am - 1:30pm<br />
80's, sunny<br />
Species Identified (53): White-cheeked Pintail, Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Red-winged Blackbird, Redhead, Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, White-faced Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, Reddish Egret, Sora, Least Sandpiper, Willet, White-rumped Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Laughing Gull, Forster's Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Black Tern, Caspian Tern, Royal Tern, Seaside Sparrow, Northern Shoveler, Purple Gallinule, American Coot, American Golden Plover, Semipalmated Plover, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, American Wigeon, Boat-tailed Grackle, Canvasback, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Belted Kingfisher, Greater Scaup, Northern Bobwhite, Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson's Phalarope, Chipping Sparrow, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Whimbrel, Savannah Sparrow, Tri-colored Heron, Common Moorhen<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-58570421846581652272014-09-14T14:27:00.000-07:002014-09-14T14:27:50.430-07:00Attwater Prairie-Chicken NWR <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've passed this site before and didn't have time to stop. I took a different route home from Rockport so I could finally visit. The Attwater Prairie-Chicken NWR is home to the very endangered bird for which it is named. One of my field guides lists it as a smaller, darker race of Greater Prairie-Chicken that is nearly extinct. They are always here, but you may or may not see them. Even though I didn't catch a glimpse of the prairie chicken, I did add two birds to my life list. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep5QD6pg8jA/U2ba-1FRktI/AAAAAAAABss/sMSNcIZRG3c/s1600/Northern+Bobwhite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep5QD6pg8jA/U2ba-1FRktI/AAAAAAAABss/sMSNcIZRG3c/s1600/Northern+Bobwhite.JPG" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
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I found the first at the very beginning of the auto loop. A Bobwhite stepped in front of my car. I took a few photos through the windshield to make sure I didn't frighten him, then waited. He showed no sign of moving on so I opened the door, stood up behind it, and took more photos. Still, he didn't budge. I probably photographed him for 10 minutes before he finally joined his friends in the grass beside the trail. I couldn't see his buddies, but heard them calling, "Bob-white...bob-white..."<br />
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This one looks like the Florida subspecies. What's he doing in Texas? <br />
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This leads to a question one of the more experienced birders reading might be able to answer: If I see the other subspecies, do I count each one on my life list?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWwCXLOJhhU/U2ba6Us3HsI/AAAAAAAABsY/b8Q0L2VXD1s/s1600/Dickcissel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWwCXLOJhhU/U2ba6Us3HsI/AAAAAAAABsY/b8Q0L2VXD1s/s1600/Dickcissel.JPG" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saw the other new one soon after. Some other birders and I were trying to figure out what he was. "Maybe some kind of warbler, but I don't know the name."<br />
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"I'll call him George," said one of the guys.<br />
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"George" was everywhere. Not in large groups, but one here and one there throughout the entire reserve. I must have seen at least 100. I saw so many, I stopped looking at the birds singing from their perches atop the tall grass. <i>It's just George again</i>, I thought to myself. <br />
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"George" turned out to be a Dickcissel, one of our summer birds who breeds here and flies south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tyYFJaZZgJo/U2ba2WHqlQI/AAAAAAAABsQ/ZeyDjtnbdZc/s1600/Attwater+Prairie+Chicken+NWR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tyYFJaZZgJo/U2ba2WHqlQI/AAAAAAAABsQ/ZeyDjtnbdZc/s1600/Attwater+Prairie+Chicken+NWR.JPG" height="354" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the auto trail, I took a short stroll along the Pipit Trail. Most of the reserve looks like this, similar to what you would expect to see in the Great Plains. For those who might not know, Texas contains beaches, swamps, prairies, forests, canyons, caverns, mountains, valleys and deserts. I'm not sure there is another state with such diversity. <br />
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We do have lakes as well, but only one is natural. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2bOeXmRxnFw/U2ba6u3yBWI/AAAAAAAABsg/HKZyHm99_x8/s1600/Buckeye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2bOeXmRxnFw/U2ba6u3yBWI/AAAAAAAABsg/HKZyHm99_x8/s1600/Buckeye.JPG" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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Along the Pipit Trail, I found another butterfly to photograph - the Buckeye. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaqP4eCzLds/U2ba9j6y2fI/AAAAAAAABso/CjPrUr05Etc/s1600/Buckeye+Caterpillar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaqP4eCzLds/U2ba9j6y2fI/AAAAAAAABso/CjPrUr05Etc/s1600/Buckeye+Caterpillar.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also found his caterpillar.<br />
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CTC004<br />
4/27/2014<br />
mid-late afternoon<br />
80's, overcast, windy<br />
Species Identified (13): Little Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Crested Caracara, Red-winged Blackbird, Dickcissel, Northern Bobwhite, Anhinga, Northern Mockingbird, Common Moorhen, Barn Swallow, Great Egret, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Northern Cardinal<br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com/2014/09/crestfallen.html" target="_blank">I'd Rather B Birdin'</a>. Another Texas birder hosts a linkup for birders around the world. <br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-57407421081240795502014-09-12T16:51:00.000-07:002014-09-12T16:51:36.447-07:00Newbury Park Hummingbird Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last stop before heading home was a small city park in Lamont. There weren't many birds, but it was the perfect spot for a sandwich and a potty break. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngeth06Hpzo/U2bNffJeGOI/AAAAAAAABr8/-AkAPrwYCqA/s1600/Newbury+Park+Hummingbird+Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngeth06Hpzo/U2bNffJeGOI/AAAAAAAABr8/-AkAPrwYCqA/s1600/Newbury+Park+Hummingbird+Garden.JPG" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
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April was not the month for the tens of thousands of Hummingbirds that migrate through the area each year. I did find some migrants, though.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwGAxmc45mU/U2bNZSbfZpI/AAAAAAAABr0/_lmukLjCKmc/s1600/Monarch+Butterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwGAxmc45mU/U2bNZSbfZpI/AAAAAAAABr0/_lmukLjCKmc/s1600/Monarch+Butterfly.JPG" height="564" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were several Monarch Butterflies in the garden. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CeioEZdPI4/U2bNVMfpncI/AAAAAAAABrg/--t0jWLhen4/s1600/Monarch+Butterfly+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CeioEZdPI4/U2bNVMfpncI/AAAAAAAABrg/--t0jWLhen4/s1600/Monarch+Butterfly+2.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are "capable of flying 2,000 miles from Canada to Mexico and back again to the Southern US" per my field guide. Wow. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKfd6-igAdw/U2bNX9je4rI/AAAAAAAABro/1SnVAYGRtIo/s1600/Monarch+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKfd6-igAdw/U2bNX9je4rI/AAAAAAAABro/1SnVAYGRtIo/s1600/Monarch+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So many shades of orange are in these flowers and butterflies, I think I have the perfect post to link up with <a href="http://writingsofmaria.com/orange-you-glad-its-friday-week-107/" target="_blank">Orange You Glad It's Friday</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewVvSy7pgng/U2bNZRD_2XI/AAAAAAAABr4/7Pf_fGPUEPQ/s1600/Harris%2527+Checkerspot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewVvSy7pgng/U2bNZRD_2XI/AAAAAAAABr4/7Pf_fGPUEPQ/s1600/Harris%2527+Checkerspot.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even the Variegated Fritillary is sort of an orange color. I did not find him in my field guide. I had to search the internet when I got home. I think I may need a new one devoted specifically to butterflies and moths. I'm working on a library, apparently. <br />
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CTC052<br />
4/27/2014<br />
Mid-morning<br />
Overcast<br />
80's<br />
Great-tailed Grackle, Monarch Butterfly, Variegated Fritillary<br />
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-78920595119534840852014-09-09T13:11:00.002-07:002014-09-09T13:11:54.893-07:00Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm still catching up on posts from April. This is as much a personal scrapbook / photo album documenting my journey along the Texas wildlife trails as anything else, so I want to include each and every site I've visited so far. I'm thinking of having it turned into one of those books I see advertised at the end of each year. Has anyone done that? </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKmLcJw1m0k/U2bIbNZKutI/AAAAAAAABrQ/RtUoMq9nvp4/s1600/Willet+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKmLcJw1m0k/U2bIbNZKutI/AAAAAAAABrQ/RtUoMq9nvp4/s1600/Willet+2.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first photos were taken at the Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which the map suggests visiting on the way to site 51. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzhv5roq04E/U2bESyOIqkI/AAAAAAAABq0/wbdQ7T67bT4/s1600/Willet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzhv5roq04E/U2bESyOIqkI/AAAAAAAABq0/wbdQ7T67bT4/s1600/Willet.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">From the tiny parking lot , I observed a Willet, Laughing Gulls, Brown Pelicans, and a Mottled Duck.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvRYN2VWbnU/U2bENiwa4ZI/AAAAAAAABqs/VfKbcnBKSP4/s1600/Laughing+Gull.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvRYN2VWbnU/U2bENiwa4ZI/AAAAAAAABqs/VfKbcnBKSP4/s1600/Laughing+Gull.JPG" height="618" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even now I keep checking my books to make sure he's a Laughing Gull. He's missing the large white wingtip spots of a Franklin's Gull, though. I never knew there were so many types of gulls. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZRauUG-gvs/U2bESpKgCnI/AAAAAAAABq4/_7I0AL7lpNw/s1600/Connie+Hagar+Cottage+Sanctuary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZRauUG-gvs/U2bESpKgCnI/AAAAAAAABq4/_7I0AL7lpNw/s1600/Connie+Hagar+Cottage+Sanctuary.JPG" height="550" width="640" /></a></div>
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These last two photos were taken on the grounds of the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary. Connie Hagar seems to be well known to the birders in this area. She and her husband owned and operated a motel here, the Rockport Cottages, in the 1930's and she was responsible for putting this area on the map. Apparently, before she alerted the birding world, no one knew about the migratory flyways on the Texas Gulf Coast.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtD3gnNxBk0/U2bEUH9zzcI/AAAAAAAABrE/1GReCkkbvso/s1600/Wildflowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtD3gnNxBk0/U2bEUH9zzcI/AAAAAAAABrE/1GReCkkbvso/s1600/Wildflowers.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found no kiosk or daily bird list, even though the map mentions them. I did identify several species, including a new one for me - the Magnolia Warbler. I didn't get any good photos of the birds, but the trails and flowers are pretty enough.<br />
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The guide map also mentions that Rockport is the base for boats that visit the feeding grounds of Whooping Cranes and nesting islands for colonial waterbirds. I did not have the time or the funds for such a tour on this trip, but I will be back. <br />
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4/27/2014, early morning<br />
CTC051<br />
Overcast<br />
80's<br />
Species Identified: Willet, Laughing Gull, Brown Pelican, Mottled Duck, Eurasian Collared-dove, Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Magnolia Warbler, Great-tailed Grackle, European Starling, Great Egret, Roseated Spoonbill, Northern Mockingbird <br />
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I'm linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/2014/09/our-world-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Our World Tuesday</a> this week.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-76063364619349851122014-09-08T17:05:00.002-07:002014-09-08T17:05:58.163-07:00Rockport Demo Bird Garden and Wetlands Pond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After finding the Brown Booby in Corpus Christi, I headed to Rockport to visit a few more sites along The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Rockport is famous for Whooping Cranes in winter and Hummingbirds in migration. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4RJw6SvOUU/U18bfD9FojI/AAAAAAAABqA/fKr5_eQ2anE/s1600/Rockport+Demo+Bird+Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4RJw6SvOUU/U18bfD9FojI/AAAAAAAABqA/fKr5_eQ2anE/s1600/Rockport+Demo+Bird+Garden.JPG" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
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The nature trail and boardwalk are very nice, but I was hoping for more migrants. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zufi7ahgjH8/U18bcQth0mI/AAAAAAAABp8/gV6kA18Fh2s/s1600/Baltimore+Oriole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zufi7ahgjH8/U18bcQth0mI/AAAAAAAABp8/gV6kA18Fh2s/s1600/Baltimore+Oriole.JPG" height="640" width="574" /></a></div>
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The Baltimore Oriole is a winter bird, according to my field guide. It seems the birds don't use the same calendar that I do.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UyZsJidIDE/U18baLZ-kaI/AAAAAAAABp0/rMSBz1ZdDaU/s1600/Northern+Mockingbird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UyZsJidIDE/U18baLZ-kaI/AAAAAAAABp0/rMSBz1ZdDaU/s1600/Northern+Mockingbird.JPG" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
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I returned the next morning to see if I could find any more birds. I captured a Northern Mockingbird with his breakfast. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ozpPHCg_8/U18cEf_bBFI/AAAAAAAABqQ/eaGQ8VRgWio/s1600/Golden-fronted+Woodpecker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ozpPHCg_8/U18cEf_bBFI/AAAAAAAABqQ/eaGQ8VRgWio/s1600/Golden-fronted+Woodpecker.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was very excited to see the Golden-fronted Woodpecker tapping on a pole. My first!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5FffzmqTs0/U18bg3AxmCI/AAAAAAAABqM/QWck5USUJmI/s1600/Purple+Flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5FffzmqTs0/U18bg3AxmCI/AAAAAAAABqM/QWck5USUJmI/s1600/Purple+Flower.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my <a href="http://macromonday2.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-growth.html?showComment=1410221098774#c7056170665493468904" target="_blank">Macro Monday</a> shot. I should probably buy a field guide for all the beautiful and often strange flora I've seen. I don't know what it is, but it's my favorite color.<br />
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CTC050<br />
4/26 - 4/27/2014<br />
Overcast<br />
80's<br />
Late evening and early morning.<br />
Identified: Great Egret, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Great Blue Heron, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Laughing Gull <br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-2193826475592728622014-09-07T15:16:00.001-07:002014-09-07T15:16:38.071-07:00Corpus Christi Seawall <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a few months break, I'm back to my project and getting caught up posting old pics before I start posting new ones. </div>
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I've officially crossed the line between "birdwatcher" (one who watches birds) to "birder" (one who chases birds). I heard there was a special bird hanging out in Corpus Christi, hopped in my car, and drove 3 and 1/2 hours to find him. The seawall is not a site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, but a rare bird made it worth a visit and it's own post. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beLHDGGl6C4/U18TtFpDYTI/AAAAAAAABpg/DixlwDV-CKM/s1600/Corpus+Christi+Seawall+Stairs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beLHDGGl6C4/U18TtFpDYTI/AAAAAAAABpg/DixlwDV-CKM/s1600/Corpus+Christi+Seawall+Stairs.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took this picture from the top of a small wall that juts out into the bay. There weren't any signs warning to keep off. In fact, a gap in the barricade actually invited a stroll, so out I went to get closer to the birds along the breakwater and to get pics of the seawall from a more interesting angle.<br />
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There are benches facing both ways, gazebos spaced at regular intervals which are nice and shady, and steps leading all the way down to the water. This is not a bad place to spend a sunny afternoon.<br />
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When I first arrived, a fellow birder informed me the Brown Boobies were gone. "Maybe they'll come back," I replied. "In the meantime, I'll photograph the other birds hanging around." <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RFVCsF9pVg/U18TNIYQW7I/AAAAAAAABpU/lrXrsEjCmIk/s1600/Great+Blue+Heron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RFVCsF9pVg/U18TNIYQW7I/AAAAAAAABpU/lrXrsEjCmIk/s1600/Great+Blue+Heron.JPG" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Great Blue Heron was standing beside the wall I mentioned.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxPPg8VfL5g/U18S4rrYSsI/AAAAAAAABpM/9n_6UMeTs-Y/s1600/Brown+Pelican.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxPPg8VfL5g/U18S4rrYSsI/AAAAAAAABpM/9n_6UMeTs-Y/s1600/Brown+Pelican.JPG" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
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Further out, on top of another wall, were Brown Pelicans in their beautiful breeding plumage, and Royal Terns. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58-EJpdPRoE/U18TSg8BC3I/AAAAAAAABpc/mudtKxG5aPw/s1600/Ruddy+Turnstone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58-EJpdPRoE/U18TSg8BC3I/AAAAAAAABpc/mudtKxG5aPw/s1600/Ruddy+Turnstone.JPG" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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Along the bottom of the stairs, I found Ruddy Turnstones also in breeding plumage. These are supposed to be winter birds, but I've seen them here in Texas as late as June.<br />
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I searched each of the breakwaters with my binoculars, hoping to find a Brown Booby. I finally noticed a bird on top of the #2 sign between them. One of them did return! These birds spend most of their life at sea and a view from shore is rare.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Eoz80Msrc/U18SrvifObI/AAAAAAAABpE/aFVX6XS9dmE/s1600/Brown+Booby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Eoz80Msrc/U18SrvifObI/AAAAAAAABpE/aFVX6XS9dmE/s1600/Brown+Booby.JPG" height="640" width="588" /></a></div>
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This is the best photo I could get since he was quite a distance away and it was very windy.<br />
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One of the birders from the convention came out and set up a tripod in the gazebo and asked if I would like to view him through a scope. Of course I would. The image bounced around a bit, but it was nice to get a better look. <br />
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Date of visit: 4/26/2014<br />
2 pm<br />
Windy, overcast<br />
85 deg F<br />
Species identified (8): Laughing Gull, Brown Pelican, Herring Gull, Great Blue Heron, Royal Tern, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Brown Booby<br />
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<a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.de/2014/09/collages-by-sea.html" target="_blank">I'm linking up with I'd Rather B' Birdin'</a>. <br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-56776309006490703812014-05-07T17:42:00.000-07:002014-05-07T17:42:19.398-07:00Hester Garden Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I skipped this one and posted out of order because I needed a break from rainy day photos. I left <a href="http://birdingacrosstexas.blogspot.com/2014/04/mchale-park.html" target="_blank">McHale Park</a> once the rain let up and headed for Hester Garden Park. According to the map/brochure, this was the place to be for migrants until after World War II. The park does have very nice trails which will make it worth future visits for Saturday morning runs, but I've been twice and not seen a single migrating bird. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzCHzKOe05Y/U0l2cHhGhNI/AAAAAAAABnc/JEISnxxhQYE/s1600/Hester+Garden+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzCHzKOe05Y/U0l2cHhGhNI/AAAAAAAABnc/JEISnxxhQYE/s1600/Hester+Garden+Park.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In fact, the only bird I was able to photograph during either visit was the Yellow-crowned Night Heron. I saw him peeking out of the tall grass this time.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXPAG0u4hCc/U0l2YTwaGVI/AAAAAAAABnY/_4-MIn5ErYU/s1600/Yellow-crowned+Night+Heron+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXPAG0u4hCc/U0l2YTwaGVI/AAAAAAAABnY/_4-MIn5ErYU/s1600/Yellow-crowned+Night+Heron+3.JPG" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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Some other visitors asked me what he was. When I told them, they said, "He's up early." I have heard that they actively feed at night, so they might not have been wrong about that.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny6WmsMP2CY/U0l2eIYaTRI/AAAAAAAABno/3Rm5Wcswgc8/s1600/Yellow-crowned+Night+Heron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny6WmsMP2CY/U0l2eIYaTRI/AAAAAAAABno/3Rm5Wcswgc8/s1600/Yellow-crowned+Night+Heron.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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At least the flowers enjoyed the rain.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQtWcUqq4LI/U0l2VS2A0sI/AAAAAAAABnQ/ip7h9IKa9uc/s1600/Blue+Flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQtWcUqq4LI/U0l2VS2A0sI/AAAAAAAABnQ/ip7h9IKa9uc/s1600/Blue+Flower.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of letting my camera get soaked by the rain, I was hiding it under my jacket. This turned out to be worse than letting it get wet because the lens fogged up - from the inside. I took it home, let it sit for a few hours, and it's fine again. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTng7OcQPf4/U0l3zNX99jI/AAAAAAAABnw/NFoHKVzaSE0/s1600/Yellow+Flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTng7OcQPf4/U0l3zNX99jI/AAAAAAAABnw/NFoHKVzaSE0/s1600/Yellow+Flower.JPG" height="624" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm linking this post with <a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2014/05/57-outdoor-wednesday-278.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Wednesday</a>.<br />
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UTC078<br />
Visited April 6, 2014<br />
72 deg F<br />
Rain<br />
Species Identified (3): Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Northern Cardinal, Laughing Gull<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2973897580512117743.post-62915333382553709592014-04-24T20:03:00.000-07:002014-04-24T20:03:30.330-07:00Brazos Bend State Park: Elm Lake Loop Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally! Sunshine on the weekend! The day started with a heavy fog, but it burned off early and gave way to beautiful blue sky. I went to one of my favorite local birding spots. Brazos Bend State Park is a photographer's dream. I spent four hours taking 280 photographs while traveling 1.7 miles. I may need to do a separate post for every trail of this site.</div>
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There were dozens of Black-bellied Whistling-ducks in the trees. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjc9pvxBQ8s/U1R5bSp9aiI/AAAAAAAABoY/H43OIRfOzkI/s1600/Black-bellied+Whistling-ducks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjc9pvxBQ8s/U1R5bSp9aiI/AAAAAAAABoY/H43OIRfOzkI/s1600/Black-bellied+Whistling-ducks.JPG" height="562" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got my first good photographs of Least Sandpipers. These are very similar in size and appearance to the Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers, but those both have black legs, not yellow. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qY_c8bKWRo/U1R5lspbdYI/AAAAAAAABo0/Sy_ggDdO2Co/s1600/Least+Sandpiper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qY_c8bKWRo/U1R5lspbdYI/AAAAAAAABo0/Sy_ggDdO2Co/s1600/Least+Sandpiper.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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All that green stuff is duckweed. It's supposed to be very nutritious for the birds with more protein than even soybeans. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiDSWd1CNPI/U1R5kIRsVUI/AAAAAAAABos/FYQIc-YjRL8/s1600/Little+Blue+Heron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiDSWd1CNPI/U1R5kIRsVUI/AAAAAAAABos/FYQIc-YjRL8/s1600/Little+Blue+Heron.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Little Blue Heron didn't care that I was photographing him. Other places, birds fly away. Here, they sometimes fly closer. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxAlESDP-Wo/U1R5chaUBSI/AAAAAAAABok/bltLSa8z64c/s1600/Green+Heron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxAlESDP-Wo/U1R5chaUBSI/AAAAAAAABok/bltLSa8z64c/s1600/Green+Heron.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first Green Heron of the year stood practically motionless as I took dozens of photos from several angles.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFP6dh30qY8/U1R5X67qijI/AAAAAAAABoU/3rWu9hGDTbg/s1600/Alligator.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFP6dh30qY8/U1R5X67qijI/AAAAAAAABoU/3rWu9hGDTbg/s1600/Alligator.JPG" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sadly, the birds don't seem to recognize the alligators as dangerous, either. I turned around to photograph some turtles, heard splashes, and turned around to see this one chomping. I believe he got a Coot. I enlarged the photo and think I can make out a foot and black feathers. <br />
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This is the time of year the alligators bellow and try to attract mates, both frightening and delighting the kids. It's a tough decision. Do I look for migrants, nesting birds, or bellowing alligators? Curses for whoever invented 40-hour work weeks!<br />
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Linking with: <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2014/04/wild-bird-wednesday-93-welcome-swallows.html" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday.</a><br />
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UTC117<br />
Date: 4/20/2014<br />
Conditions: Fog early, then sunny<br />
Temp: 65 - 80 F<br />
Species Identified (19): White Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling-duck, Common Moorhen, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, American Coot, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Anhinga, Pied-billed Grebe, Least Sandpiper, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Blue-winged Teal, American Crow, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Northern Cardinal, Neotropic Cormorant <br />
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12573262524755768643noreply@blogger.com17