Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Texas Day 1-2

Green Kingfisher, Bentsen RGV State Park, Nov 10,2011

Least Grebe, Bentsen RGV State Park, Nov 10,2011

Dark-eyed Junco, Estero Llano Grande SP, Nov 11, 2011

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Estero Llano Grande SP, Nov 11, 2011

Green Jay, Bentsen RGV State Park, Nov 11,2011

Vermilion Flycatcher, Bentsen RGV State Park, Nov 10,2011

On my first two days in Texas I visited Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP and Estero Llano Grande SP as well as a few other quick stops elsewhere.  I few rarities for south Texas had been seen in both of these areas and I was hopeful to catch up with them but never did.  I missed seeing the Black-vented Oriole at Bentsen by just a few minutes and was unable to see the sporadic Rose-throated Becard at Estero Llano Grande.  Although I missed on these birds I found some great birds at these spots including a rarity from up north at Estero...a Dark-eyed Junco.  The bird was not yet on the extensive bird list here.  I was able to photograph the bird to document the record.  Beyond that bird I found many of the south Texas specialties as well as many wintering species and a few lingering birds that have not yet left the area yet.  The weather was sunny for the most part but started cool on the second day with temps around 40.  It quickly warmed up well into the 70's so it was quite comfortable. 

iphone photo of sunrise at Estero Llano Grande SP, Nov 11, 2011

The sunrise at Estero Llano Grande on the second day down there was spectacular and the first of several great sunrises and sunsets.

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