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.