Laguna Atascosa NWR - season 4

We arrived LANWR on December 30, in the rain, but managed to get the anti rat lights out before dark. We're parked on the same site as last year with only 2 empty spots left. We have a full crew again this year with only Cliff and Nancy and Claude and Nicole returning. Everyone else is new.

Marion fell out of the horse trailer yesterday and broke her right arm. Don't know how long she will be off.

We did a trial run of Bahia on Friday  and picked up a pair of Aplomado Falcon near the Tower Gate

We celebrated the New Year with fried oysters and Texas Caviar Black-eyed Peas

Our first tour went out on Saturday Morning in the rain.

 Sunday morning we took new volunteers Lee and Jan to Bahia

The pair of Aplomado Falcons were sharing a rodent

A new feature this year is having a birder accompany each afternoon habitat tour. 

My first view of Laguna Madre this year. 

The healthy coyote was totally unperturbed by the tour bus. 

Never tire of Crested Caracara

Osprey had to defend his catch again vulture, grackle, and gull

Cliff did a great job placing the national natural landmark plaque that has been languishing in a box since 1986 

Monday afternoon habitat tour was sunny but cold and windy on the tram. 

Merlin was cooperative

Juvenile Caspian Tern was begging but the adult paid him no mind. 

Bear finally was able to celebrate the New Year

and the next day, Epiphany.

I helped him color the 3 Wise Men. 

That's the first week, 1 down and approximately 11 more to go.

 When I say it that way doesn't seem very long at all. 

Goose Island State Park and Rockport

Started toward South Texas on December 28 in light rain. We finally drove out the weather near Victoria. Had planned on an overnight stop there, but we were about 2 hours too early to stop so we opted for Goose Island State Park instead. Always one of our favorite locations.

We parked on the bay and were treated to a magnificent sunset over Aransas Bay. 

I was looking forward to a day of  sunshine and birding...

started out with my very favorite bird of all, the Common Loon

Eighth Street never disappoints us, this time paying off with 5 Whooping Cranes and 15 Sandhills.  

The weather quickly deteriorated so we opted for a museum day

The Fulton Mansion recently reopened after a 3 year renovation. 

Constructed in 1877 the house was very modern with running water, indoor plumbing, central heat, and gas lights. 

I had to find the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary site. 

I read her biography while we were in Anahuac

She was an amazing woman who turned birding on the Texas coast on its ear. 

The buildings where she hosted noted ornithologists for many years have long been demolished

but the site is forever protected. I was surprised that the staff at the tourist information center was so poorly informed about her.

We found a delightful place for lunch, Old Fulton Seafood Cafe and Deli, 

We knew we made a good choice when every table was filled with locals. 

The wind swept oaks along the bay 

I hope they stay forever and are not replaced with high rise condos. 

We stopped at a seafood market for a pint of fresh shucked oysters and a bakery for a flounder -  a dinner plate sized cinnamon crisp before heading back to the park in the drizzle. 

One week and two days in Livingston

Left Anahuac NWR on December 19 to spend a few days on Livingston before heading for the Valley. 

Bear wanted a photo with the sign. 

He enjoyed the Christmas reindeer. 

He would like to ride the trolley. 

For our anniversary we birded Lake Livingston State Park

I didn't take a lot of photos, but I did capture one of the multitudes of Brown Creepers

We picked up Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets, too. Robin, Titmouse, Junco, Chickadee, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warbler, Cardinal, Carolina Wren. All the usual suspects. 

I found a Christmas tree for Bear. 

He's holding his own after his accident although his days are numbered. Dry Rot, I'm afraid. 

December 26, we revisited a tract of Trinity River NWR searching for Henslow's Sparrow, again unsuccessfully. 

Perfect habitat for this elusive species. 

I did get one interesting response to the call but never got a visual. 

The location was very birdy, but they were most uncooperative and quite distant although very vocal. 

Weather was perfect and insects were nonexistent, a welcome change from Anahuac. 

I'm fascinated by trees with character. 

Trinity River crossing

I have never seen so much water in this river. 

The reason that most of Trinity River NWR is closed, it's underwater. 

The next day the rain started and continued until we left Rainbow's End on December 28.