March 19 Another beautiful day on the refuge

We attempted, unsuccessfully, to find the "grass pipers" at the Progresso Sod Fields yesterday afternoon. The south wind was a steady 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph. The only occupant was a solitary Horned Lark.

Next we tried a location from the Valley Birding and Butterfly Map labeled Rio Rico Road. 1.2 miles south of Hwy 281 then east on paved road to Willacy County Pumping Station on the Rio Grande.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker, un-ID'ed warbler, and a Border Patrol Officer were our only observations. 

The scenery was lovely, but we were warned that we were in a dangerous location. 

Highway 281, the Old Military Highway, must have an historical marker every quarter mile. 

The Thornton Skirmish, April 25, 1846, is noted as the spot where American blood was shed on American soil when Captain Phillip Thornton and his 42 Dragoons were attacked by Mexican soldiers.

The larger marker to the left details Spanish colonization to prevent French control of the area.


For the second night in a row I had a clear sky with moon rising about 9:46, a record down here this year. Seems like we've had clouds, mist, rain, and cold for the last 10 weeks.

The just past full moon served as a guide for locating Mars.

Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades were high overhead with Canis Major and Canis Minor following on Orion's heels. 

On my first foray out the pauraque were silent, but as soon as the moon rose they began their melodic calls. Coyotes, song dogs, sang in the distance. 

I hit the floor on the first alarm this morning to look out expecting early morning fog. I could feel and smell the humidity, but the setting moon and stars shone brightly. 

Pauraque still called softly and wild turkey gobbled just outside the circle of light from Volunteer Village. 

After spending the morning on income tax preparation, I felt the need for a nature transfusion, so we walked to the visitor center to check out the water features. 

Located Northern Parula, Orange Crown, Titmouse, and more Grackles and Red-wings than I wanted. Altamira Oriole, Green Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, and Olive Sparrow were also present. 

Turkey Hen was at the gazebo...

Tom was outside the visitor center... splendid breeding plumage

His loud gobbles woke up the Screech Owl

Mr. Tom strutted and spared with his own reflection in the VC windows for 20 minutes...

I snapped 43 pictures before other visitors arrived startling him into flight so fast I had no chance to grab the camera. 

Spring has truly arrived with the flowering of the allthorn... wish I had smell-o'vision.