We started the day with a trio of calling TROPICAL KINGBIRDS outside the motel. I need the very similar Couch's Kingbird so this was a bit of an exciting start...thinking that they may not be Tropicals...but, alas.
There were a few odonates braving the winds of the day including this RED SADDLEBAGS.
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES are common here.
The feeders at the visitor center in Laguna Atascosa NWR had a pair of ALTAMIRA ORIOLES coming in to orange halves.
Also at the visitor center were several GREEN JAYS. 3 Javelinas (a wild pig also known as Collared Peccary) were feeding on fallen bird seed and the jays were actually landing on their backs...perhaps picking off insects(?).
Despite the winds, many Turkey Vultures and a few BLACK VULTURES proved their wares as aerialists.
Also on the wing a lot were CRESTED CARACARAS. These are one of my favorite raptors...they got pers'nality!
WHITE-TAILED HAWKS were a treat.
All in all a good first day...off to Santa Ana tomorrow to search for Hook-billed Kite and Couch's Kingbird!
2 comments:
Laguna Atascosa HQ garden is (was?) THE spot in the USA to see the exquisite Blue Metalmark butterfly. Hope you see one.
Bruce
Sounds like a great first day! As always, great photos. I envy your mammal sightings. Any pics of the jays on the javelina?
If you have time, you might try Rd 100 near Laguna Vista (east of Port Isabel). We had an Aplomado there in 2002, and I've read of numerous reports from there. That was also an extremely windy day--it sent my scope crashing to the ground.
Have fun!
--Chris
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