Virginia Rail Day at Estero Llano Grande

I had good intentions on going on the Butterfly Walk at Estero on Friday. But then word spread that it was a Rail Day instead. The group that were butterflying was too large for our liking and the thought of seeing a Virginia Rail to enticing.  Sue and I stayed on the boardwalk and NE edge of the pond by the visitor center waiting. Our patience paid off big time. Six Soras were coming in at out of the reeds as was the timid V Rail for 20 seconds. That was enough for a great look or photo op.

Sora, heard more often than seen. The rest of the photos are of the Virginia Rail.

Whistling Dixie Ducks at Frontera

Blackbelly Whistling Ducks are a South Texas specialty, meaning they are seen very few other locations in the US. They are not a delicacy as you see by the photos. First group of ducks are with a White Ibis and unfocused. Then the ducks get serious . . . 

That's all folks!

Northern Jacana Even Closer

Today I went again to Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge for the Northern Jacana.  This was our target bird for the last week.  Now we can let it rest, because it cooperated nicely.  Actually he disregarded us and came within 50 feet of Gunnar and I and a couple from Norman, OK. It was a grand morning of Jacanaing!

Check out his feet!  

A Lifer: The Northern Jacana at Santa Ana

The Northern Jacana is a rail usually seen in Mexico. It can walk on lily pads but in these ponds he was on the floating debris.  He has long light green legs and extremely long toes. This male juvenile was a rare site this far north so there was much excitement for the many birders who flood the valley are carry huge cameras. 

This Jacana has been in the Valley since November. It has been seen at Santa Ana since we have arrived last week. We saw this juvenile last week from afar but today. I got up early enough to see this targeted bird. The plan was to go with Laura who leads the bird walk. When too many non-birders gathered I decided it would not happen with such a large group.  I followed Javi to the third blind at Willow Lakes, no luck.   We went to the levee between Lake 3 and 4 and met 4 guys with big smiles on their faces. We were also smiling when this rail stayed long enough for photos. This male juvenile is molting and getting more color.  

This is last weeks attempt of seeing the Jacana. He was way across the pond, but we were happy to catch a peek. There island of reeds and vegetation in these small ponds. 

Willets at Goose Island Shore

A sunny afternoon awaited us at Fulton. We unpacked and headed to Goose Island State Park. We were in search of Whooping Cranes but on this shore we saw Laughing Gulls and a Willet, a large sandpiper. Willets are possible to see in Western Minnesota (Canada to the Gulf) in breeding season on muddy banks or along the Gulf Coast.  

 Laughing Gulls on Fishing Peer at Goose Island

Least Bittern at South Padre

Least Bitterns are described as very small (11 - 14 inches) and secretive.  It is a great day if you happen upon one. There were a pair in the open among the reeds on the exit board walk.  Two sisters in their 90s sporting binoculars, spotting scopes and walkers with their adult children were as stunned as we were to watch the Bittern slowly hunt in the open. Margaret Young a daily visitor to the center was amazed also. She carries a small camera and her binoculars and caught the male opening his wings. It is a once in a life-time photo. I only photographed female so the other photos of the male are Gunnar's. When they are standing still with their beaks pointed straight up they are very camouflaged and the males darker back is hidden.

 Female Least Bittern 

The next photos are the more colorful male Least Bittern.

Male (Gunnar's Photos)

Margret Young's photo published on WBCSPI FaceBook posting.

Green Heron at South Padre

This must be my Year of the Green Heron. This is the first year we spotted them in Texas. We saw them at Santa Ana, Estero and South Padre. These last photos show the bird in top breeding coloration and it was also closer in good lighting. The heron is secretive and one does not expect to see one but delighted to. Green Herons are seen throughout most of the US. Minnesota is in their summer breeding grounds. These birds will stay in the Rio Valley.

 I was confused as it moved to the water and focused on his reflection instead of the bird.

After our delicious lunch at the South Padre Brewing Company, 

we saw another Green Heron out in the open reeds.