Two Parakeets in a Palm Tree

Here we are, feeling settled in for the most part, at the Americana Birding Center RV Park in Mission Texas. We have been warmly welcomed as Winter Texans by many of our neighbors.

Big D at the Americana Birding Center RV Park

The people have been very friendly, and they pride themselves on that. This afternoon we attended one of the many "Happy Hours" around here (we are told); this one was held at our next door neighbors', Dave and Gloria's. We met maybe eight or ten other couples, many of whom are staying at this RV Park.

Each day here the parakeets have flown through or over. Sometimes you just hear their raucous noise, and sooner than you can grab a camera they are gone. Today, though, I was able to grab my camera, and get quite a few good shots.

Parakeet Flock

They stayed around long enough for me to have a conversation with one of my neighbors here...and turns out he's from Macomb, too! I thought I recognized Herb Edwards right away, but I thought, "naaahhh, can't be"...but it was and is! Herb and I don't know each other well, but our paths have crossed a few times, both of us having taught at the university; he in Biology and me in Agriculture.

Queen Butterfly

A real treasure that Herb and his wife Chris share with residents at the Americana Birding Center RV park is a 2-acre plot that Chris' dad bought back in the 1970s. It is adjacent to and accessible from the RV Park. They have allowed nature to take it's course on the lot, while maintaining a walking trail. They also installed a bird feeding and watering area, complete with chairs for viewing at the back of the lot.

Today I saw some thrashers and a couple of unidentified birds around the feeders. Also, the wildlife area was full of Queen butterflies.

Herb told me that the parakeets come and eat the fruits on the sugar hackberry trees. Then they leave. So, we feel lucky to have been here for the couple of weeks that they will also be here. I'm also glad that I could get a few good photos of them. I am still learning how to use my camera and all its functions, but when all else fails, "Automatic" seems to work pretty well for the most part....

Parakeets in the sugar hackberry tree

Parakeet Pair in a Palm Tree

---Mari