Saturday, February 7, 2009

Hot Valley birding!

There's been so many good birds in the Rio Grande Valley this winter that I haven't been able to do much regular birding. Seem's like every weekend I'm chasing after someone else's birds. I'm not complaining but I miss going out to some site and just looking at what's there without expectations. Anyway I finally ticked the Crimson-collared Grosbeak for the year this afternoon at Frontera Audubon thicket. The Blue Bunting was also showing well at the water feature.

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Here's Ms. Grosbeak chewing on the fruit from a potato tree (Solanum sp.)

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Pine Siskins are rare in the Valley but there have been a few at Frontera this winter.

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Sunday last weekend I made a run out to Willacy County to see the Mountain Ploves that were found in the previous week. This was Texas bird #510 for me.

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After a quick tick I raced down to Sabal Palm Sanctuary in Bronwsville to see the Audubon's Orioles. I managed to see it for Cameron County bird # 341 and scored the Ducky-capped Flycatcher too.

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The day before I spent in Starr county with Sonny Bratz from Victoria. We missed the Muscovey Ducks but got most of the regular Salineno birds including this Zone-tailed Hawk.

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Ever the twicher, I was more excited about this Common Grackle, very rare in the Valley.

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3 comments:

Charlie said...

'Ducky-capped Flycatcher'? Now THAT I want to see :)

Mel said...

Hey, you say you haven't done much birding???
Want to swap lives?? I think you need to live my NON birding life for a second! haha
Take care!

Dany said...

Some good birds definitely. I am going to be in south Texas for a few days later this month, would love to get some good ideas of where to bird. I'll probably be based around Brownsville/McAllen, but will have a car to roam. Drop me a line at danymsloan@gmail.com, would love to hear some of your ideas.