Thursday, June 25, 2020

Oakwood Barred Owl Family

The Barred Owl owlet triplets are being more mobile. We first noticed the two juveniles but spotted the next alone. The parent was hissing so she was easy to spot. These photos were taken from Linda Anderson's deck at 1416.

 John, my brother in law said they were touching and kissing before I came to photo them.



Below is the single owlet. 








Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge 1/6

Laguna Atascosa is 20 miles from Port Isabel but 35 minutes away.  The speed limit in the park is 25 mph and large speed bumps every 1/4 of a mile. This is to protect wildlife such as  ocelots which inhabit the scrubs. The photo blinds are roomy with birds coming to the seeds and water. We didn't stay long since Gunnar was getting a cold, low energy.
Green Jay
 Orange-crowned Warbler

 Long-billed Thrasher


Laguna Vista Walking Trail 1/6

Laguna Vista is a small open sky park 20 minutes from Port Isabel.  Laguna Vista is off of 100 and on the way to Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge. There is 3 blinds with water features that bring in birds. The Olive Sparrow was the highlight.
Olive Sparrow a SRGV Specialty

Long-billed Thrasher

Osprey surveying the park.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Mangrove Warblers and Mimosas 1-4

The Nemesis Bird of the last few years on the Island is the Mangrove Warbler.  We saw our first glance on a boat that was guided by Scarlet, the Dolphin Whisperer 6 years ago.  Last April we got our first photos after we followed the strong song similar to a Yellow Warbler. 

Today was the day!  The Birding Center was selling Mimosas as a fundraiser. So after the boardwalk, we bought our tickets for the pink drink.  At about the same time birders were in a frenzy when the pair of Mangrove Warblers showed up to see what was being served. We 






SPI Boardwalk Birding Continues 1-4

Green Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Brown Pelicans, American Wigeons,Northern Pintails

Green Heron


Roseate Spoonbills
Brown Pelican
American Wigeons
 Northern Pintails















Pied-billed Grebe

South Padre Birding Center 1/4

It's good to be back in warm sunny South Padre and birding. The air was cool and the sun felt wonderful as we walked the boardwalk looking for waders. They did not disappoint.


Snowy Egret 













Common Egret Common Man

 Tricolored Heron



Golden-crowned Night Heron
White Ibis Juvenile

SPI Convention Center Hot Spot 11/10

The Birding Center and the Convention Center also provide water, rest and food for the migratory birds both in the fall and in the spring. Now we have experienced both here. Mike and Nancy were wonderful hosts on Port Isabel.  Thanks again.  We left the Island at 80 humid degrees and landed in Minneapolis at 18 degrees with high winds. OH MY!!!
    Black-throated Green Warbler

Tropical Kingbird
 Osprey flying over
Tricolored Heron at the Birding Center