Texas: Day 4. Another windy day

We began our day at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park in search of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. We walked into the park about 45 minutes before dawn and almost immediately heard an EASTERN SCREECH-OWL trilling in the dark. A short walk from the entrance yielded 3 more. PAURAQUE (pah-RAH-key) were calling around us and one flew within feet of us. We were able to get one in the flashlight beam for a moment and saw the unmistakable orange "eye shine."

It began to get lighter and suddenly, we both heard a FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL from the trees ahead. It gave us perhaps, 8-10 toots and never called again and we never did see it. After searching through a passerine flock for the previously reported Tropical Parula (without luck) we decided to leave.



On our way out we bumped into the daily bird walk and the leader happily showed us this roosting EASTERN SCREECH-OWL.




This insect (Hoverfly?) was guarding one of the interpretive signs...there seemed to be one at each sign.

We then headed for Frontera Audubon where there had been Groove-billed Ani reported recently. No luck with the ani but we did have some nice birds, leps (butterflies), and odes (dragonflies).



This GREAT KISKADEE was coming to the water for a drink.



TELEUS LONGTAILS and BROWN LONGTAILS were braving the winds.


This BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD was coming in to feed at one of the several nectar feeders.



A short walk through the grounds found us at a feeding station that held an OVENBIRD, INCA DOVES, and several CHACHALACAS, like this one. He seemed to be displaying...all puffed up.



I believe this is a mature (past it's prime) ROSEATE SKIMMER.



I was told that this butterfly is a TEXAS CRESCENT but can't find that common name referenced.

After Frontera we decided to give another shot at Aplomado Falcon and headed east to Laguna Atascosa. A large falcon perched on a radio tower gave us hope and a show...it pursued a NORTHERN HARRIER that had a prey item and forced it to relinquish the meal. We found it a little bit later on the ground and it turned out to be a PEREGRINE FALCON.



In pursuit of the falcon I almost stepped on this WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE...a life herp (reptile).