Avid Birders

What a day we had seeing birds we never really knew existed before, and meeting avid birders who are so very passionate about birds. This is a new scene for both of us, as we love watching birds, feeding them in our own backyard, and learning to identify them by their calls. It seems that up until now, we have been but babes when it comes to birds and bird watching. Perhaps one reason we feel like such beginners is the sheer number of new species we have seen since coming to southern Texas eight days ago. We have been on three guided bird "walks" (well, one was in a van and another was on a tram, so today's was really the FIRST "Walk") in the past week.

The beautiful covered patio at Estero Llano Grande State Park near Weslaco, Texas overlooks a large, shallow lake. 

Here is an example of a bird surprise: we have always loved seeing the red-bellied woodpecker at our backyard feeder. Little did we know there is a similar bird down here, the golden-fronted woodpecker. It is similar in many ways to "red-belly", but has yellow at the nape of its neck. Even its call is similar.

Golden-fronted woodpecker

I have heard of a yellow-bellied sapsucker, but I would not have known one if it landed on my head. But today I spotted this one while we were out with the group. If it hadn't been for one of our guides, I still wouldn't have known what it was I had seen. I figured it was "just a woodpecker".

Yellow-bellied sapsucker...I never did see yellow on its belly.

Once in awhile the park rangers and volunteers enhance the habitat for a particular species. In this case, McCall's eastern screech owl is nesting in the box provided. 

McCall's eastern screech owl inhabits south-central Texas and parts of Mexico.

Ron was the first in our group to spot the roseate spoonbill, certainly a new bird for the two of us. It is listed as a "visitor" to this area. One of the few pink birds, it lives mainly in South America.

The large pink bird is a roseate spoonbill. It was seen today at Estero Llano Grande State Park, part of the World Birding Center network in Texas. 

Today alone, we saw at least 60 different species of birds, many of which do not occur in west-central Illinois. We have seen the chachalaca and green jay before today, as well as the kiskadee, the brown pelican, and the vermillion flycatcher. But, for those and even for birds that we have seen in Illinois, such as the American white pelican, it is great to see them here as well. One bird that we have seen in high numbers is the red-winged blackbird - a sign of spring when it is finally seen in Illinois in about three more months.

I have never seen one of these hummingbirds before - I believe we were told it is a buff-bellied hummer - very beautiful!

All in all, we had a wonderful day, and we look forward to spending more time with the wonderful park volunteers and rangers who lead these bird adventures for us. They are extremely knowledgeable and passionate.

---Mari