Back to the Beach

After our cold February, things are finally warming up a bit, so I thought it would be nice to head out to the beach for a bit. It was nice to see the gulls again. I've missed them. 

The laughing gulls are my favorites and they were out today. I think a lot of the gulls and pelicans must have been lost to the freeze, because they certainly have been sparse. But I'm glad to see them around. 

I didn't stay long, since that cool ocean breeze is still a little too chilly for me. And the water is definitely too cold for my little feet. But I'll be back. 

 

Heron in Flight . . . and More

On my Friday night Zoom meeting with my grandson and his wife, he asked me if the herons are pretty in flight. I assured him that they are. Little did I know I would get a chance to capture a few shots (not the greatest) at my next visit to South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. 

I also got a chance to see a wonderful, young green heron, hiding in the tall grass. 

And, of course, as always, Mr. Muscovy was waiting to give me the eye as I left. 

Another lovely day at the South Padre Island Birding Center!

Overlooking the Bay

I decided I would do my walking at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. But, today, before heading to the boardwalk, today I realized I had never made the 5-story climb to the top of the building. So I headed up the winding staircase, carefully, because my balance has been off. I was grateful for the railings. 

When I got to the top, it was a nice view all around. First, looking out over the boardwalk, then looking toward the St Isabella Causeway, and off toward the beach, with all the hotels and businesses in between. 

Chachalacas, Cardinals, and More

 

Besides seeing the green jays and Altamira orioles, I had in mind seeing the Chachalacas I had heard so much about. While the older birds resemble wild turkeys, the younger ones look a lot more graceful. Chachalacas are found from the southern United States to Central America. 

And who doesn't love seeing those bright red cardinals!

Seeing them was like a little taste of my old Midwestern home. 

This female cardinal certainly was bright-eyed. 
(I confess, I changed the background on this little beauty - one of my first attempts at composites)

And then there are always plenty of the common grackles to be seen in the Rio Grande Valley. A lot of people detest them, but I haven't come to feel that way so far. 

I will surely be coming back to Resaca de la Palma to see more of the lovely birds. 

Those Striking Orioles!

 

My sightings for the day at Resaca de la Palma State Park, west of Brownsville, Texas, were not limited to the lovely green jays. I also saw the striking orioles. Being new to this, I am not totally sure if they were hooded orioles or Altamira orioles, but they sure were pretty!

Altamira orioles are New World orioles, found in the Central America and the Mexican Gulf coast. they have been found in southern Texas since 1939. Their beautiful orange and black and white coloring makes them easy to see. 

I hope to see the beautiful orioles again soon. 

Oh! Those Beautiful Green Jays

 

I will long remember my day at Resaca de la Palma as my first truly amazing birding adventure!

My first wish was to seen some green jays, which I had only seen at a distance one day at Laguna Atascosa. Well, today I was not disappointed. I saw green jays galore! 

Green jays can be found from southern Texas to Central America. 

The green jays alone made my day at Resaca de la Palma worthwhile, even had I not seen a bigger variety of birds. But I did see more, and it was certainly the icing on the cake. Tune in next time to see more. 

Resaca de la Palma State Park

 

Today I had an appointment in Brownsville, so I thought it a good opportunity to check out Resaca de la Palma State Park, just west of town. It has the reputation of having an excellent birding park. 

When I first got there, after going inside to get my park pass, I went around back of the building to the bird habitat. All of the viewing areas were full, so I decided to do a little hiking and then catch the birds on my way back. 

I found it to be one of the prettier walking parks in the area. But now, on to the birds!