Antshrike's Bird Blog: February 2009

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Listers, Come out of the closet!

I have a problem. I am a lister. There. I said it. I'm not ashamed of it. There's lots of birders out there who look down their noses at listers. But I bet they have lists too. They list in the privacy of their homes. Maybe behind the locked door of the bathroom. Come on listers. Come out of the closet (or the bathroom)! Oh I know what they say about listing. You go blind or hair grows on the palms of your hands. But it's not true. In fact listing is good for you. So make your lists and don't feel guilty about it.