Birding South Texas

 Bill and I took a "little" detour on our way from Florida to Colorado. We drove south to Mission Texas for a fabulous visit with daughter Laura and her wife Cheryl.  Cheryl shares our passion for birding and arranged several trips to area hot spots.

The Great Kiskadees were everywhere, Laura & Cheryl's backyard and at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on the Rio Grande River in Brownsville, Texas.

Another bird you'll only see in South Texas is the Green Jay. Absolutely gorgeous birds! This one was at Bentson Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission.

And what trip to South Texas would be complete without seeing one (or 20) Plain Chachalacas! They are big chicken-like birds that make a racket!

We saw two types of hummingbirds: Buff-bellied by the dozen around the Hummingbird Bush in the backyard and this Broad-billed Hummingbird at Sabal Palm.

Cheryl spotted this Harris's Hawk sitting on a light pole - a lifer for Bill and me!

And then there are the parrots! Cheryl took us into town just before dusk. We parked in a shopping center lot and watched as dozens and dozens of Green Parakeets flew in from their day's activities to roost on the overhead wires. It was really something to see - and hear!!

We had a fabulous visit and can't wait to go back! The girls were wonderful hosts. Thank you so much!!

Birds, Birds & More Birds!

More birds from our South Texas trip - many of them Life Birds!

Hooded Warbler - this little guy was a cutie!

Crimson-collared Grosbeak (F) - a real rarity from Mexico.

Dickcissel

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Great Kiskadee

Green Jay

Green Kingfisher - this and the next picture were taken from a duck blind at Sable Palm Sanctuary directly into the morning sun so the quality is poor.

Hooded Duck (F) - a rare visitor from Mexico

Hooded Oriole - this bird was identified as an Altamira Oriole by other birders in the area, but I think it is a Hooded Oriole.

Inca Dove

Lark Sparrow

Cinnamon Teal - a terrible picture, but it counts!