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.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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

Image and video hosting by TinyPic