Everyone met at London
Gatwick on time and after a one-hour delay we were soon on our way
to Houston. After the long flight we arrived, checked through
customs, got our luggage and then sorted out the hire vehicle. While
I helped move the back seat from our minibus the rest of the group
were watching American Crows, up to fifty Broad-winged Hawks and
several Chimney Swifts. We then drove the short distance to Conroe
and our motel. On route we saw quite a few Turkey Vultures, flocks
of Chimney Swifts and a few Brown-headed Cowbirds and Common
Grackles. At our motel there were several Killdeer on a little patch
of grass and again more Brown-headed Cowbirds and flocks of Chimney
Swifts flying over. After the long day it was time to have an
evening meal and catch an early nights sleep.
DAY 2
Tuesday 4th April
We were all up early at
6.30 am and we went straight to the W.G. Jones state forest. We
parked up and went along the track until we came to an area of
ponds. Here we waited beside a cluster of trees to see if there were
any Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. It was decidedly cold and this may
have had a bearing on why they did not show. As the sun came out and
warmed the treetops Pine Warblers could be heard giving their
trilling song everyone. Blue Jays called, both Carolina Chickadees
and Carolina Wrens were heard with the former passing by in small
groups. We then found two Brown-headed Nuthatches one of which posed
beautifully for the scopes allowing all of us to see it well. There
was still no sign of the woodpeckers although a huge Pileated did
put in a brief appearance as it flew behind the trees. We then
wandered back past a singing White-eyed Vireo and several Northern
Cardinals after which we headed off to have some breakfast. After
our big breakfast we then picked up our packed lunch and baggage
before returning to the wood for another try this time behind the
forest headquarters. On the way we did stop for a Loggerhead Shrike
that showed well around a small tree beside the road. Once at the
headquarters we walked through the wood. Mick found a beautiful male
Hooded Warbler that sang from a very close tree giving us all
excellent views. Generally though it was very quiet barring a few
Black Vultures passing over but Nick then found the bird we were
searching for, a Red-cockaded Woodpecker. We got to the spot and
could hear it calling and after a few minutes I found it on a half
hidden pine. Unfortunately not everyone got to see the bird before
it flew away into the wood. A little further along we all watched a
lovely Red-bellied Woodpecker, several Northern Cardinals and two
Chipping Sparrows. It was mid-day and time we set off towards the
coast. The nightmare of Houston's traffic lights and busy roads was
soon left behind as we gradually got further out into the country.
Apart from our lunch we started to make more and more roadside
stops. Broad-winged, Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks were seen as
well as many Northern Mockingbirds and Loggerhead Shrikes. We also
saw our first Monarch butterfly. One of our best stops was beside
Lake Texicano where we watched both Double-crested and Neotropic
Cormorants as well as several common heron species such as Great
White, Great Blue, Tri-coloured and Snowy Egret. Scissor-tailed
Flycatchers were now being watched with ease and rightly became many
people's favourite bird. A Belted Kingfisher sat on a wire, whilst
lots of Cliff Swallows flew around. Joan then came up trumps with an
adult Bald Eagle circling high above us. Hundreds of Laughing Gulls
flew around and a little further along by the waters edge we were
able to compare Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and then watched three
Pectoral Sandpipers, several Killdeers and a Solitary Sandpiper. We
continued on, stopping to look on telegraph poles where we saw a
superb Red-shouldered Hawk, several Swainson's and Red-tailed Hawks.
We also found a couple of Northern Harriers, and Scissor-tailed
Flycatchers seem to be on everywhere. Driving on, along a straight
road towards Tivoli, several more stops included, in perfect light,
a pair of Eastern Bluebirds, three Upland Sandpipers were walking
around a ploughed field and then we saw two White-tailed Hawks
fighting with a Red-tailed Hawk. The pair of White-tailed Hawks then
flew across the field to land in full view on a nest about five feet
from the ground Ñ what a sight! Having also seen Black-winged Kite
and a flock of Little Blue Herons, we then continued on. We found a
Golden-fronted Woodpecker beside the road and then, just before
Fulton and the road bridge, we watched two Buffleheads, a group of
Shoveler and several Blue-Winged Teals as well as Pied-billed Grebe.
Beside the bridge itself there were lots of Brown Pelicans, and a
couple of Cave Swallows were seen amongst the Cliff Swallows. We
then drove a few miles further to our Hotel.
DAY 3
Wednesday 5th April
We all took an early
breakfast at the Hotel before driving a short distance to the
jetty where we were to take Captain Ted's boat out across the
Bay and into Aransas National Park. We were soon all aboard
and setting off towards a glorious sunrise. With Royal
Terns fishing all around us we drifted out to a small island
where we could then compare a colony of both Caspian and Royal
Terns sat beside each other. Brown Pelicans were everywhere
and wading birds included American Oystercatcher, Turnstone
and Sanderling. On the sea we found a single White-winged Scoter
amongst the more familiar Buffleheads and Goldeneye. A couple
of Great Northern Loons were briefly seen and amongst the hundreds
of Laughing Gulls we found plenty of Forsters and a few Least
Terns as well as two or three Franklin's Gulls. Drifting into
one of the channels beside the marsh we were soon watching three
huge Whooping Cranes. These endangered birds showing
extremely well. Seaside Sparrow were then found and seen by
everyone and several Black Skimmers, Blue-winged Teals, Mottled
Ducks and Willet s were also easily seen. As we continued drifting
down the channel we watched a few Gull-billed Terns amongst
the Forsters and over the marshes Northern Harriers hunted.
Returning along the channel a Great Horned Owl was seen sat
on top of a bush. Finishing off with Ospreys and some of the
common waders we then crossed the bay back towards the jetty.
We disembarked and then returned to collect our luggage from
the Hotel where after watching a Black-crested Titmouse in the
garden we drove the short distance to Rattlesnake Point. A stop
beside a small pool allowed us to compare many Black-bellied
and Fulvous Whistling Duck, as well as a couple of Purple Martins
flying around. Just a bit further up the road we stopped to
look at a Curved-billed Thrasher and in a pool there was Reddish
Egret, Spotted Sandpiper and Black-necked Stilts. We then drove
to Moores Pond where we found several Pied-Billed and then two
lovely Least Grebe's which were hiding in the edges of the pool
where we also found a single White-faced and an immature White
Ibis with several Tri-coloured Herons flying around. Continuing
on our way towards Aransas Pass and stopping beside some pools
we added Long-billed Dowitcher, Belted King fisher and a Savannah
Sparrow. We then crossed over Aransas Pass to Port Aransas on
a free ferry. Not far from the other side we stopped beside
a saltwater lagoon teeming with waders. Amongst the many yellowlegs
and dowitchers were Stilt Sandpipers, a very close American
Golden Plover and amongst the smaller waders were lots of Least,
several Semi-palmated Sandpipers as well as Western Sandpipers.
A Peregrine Falcon was seen to swoop down amongst the birds
on two occasions and everything took flight, as soon as they
had landed again Geoff managed to find us some Wilson's Phalarope's,
while at the back of the pool were a few Pintail and Blue-winged
Teal. We then carried on towards Corpus Christi. A couple of
roadside stops produced super views of two Long-billed Curlews
and then a Marbled Godwit. Our last look of the day was around
Packery a small area of scrubby bushes and gardens. Amazingly
one of the first birds we found was a female Vermilion Flycatcher
that sat around and gave us excellent views. There were a few
Bobwhite Quail around as well as a very elusive Grasshopper
Sparrow. Around the back of the gardens we found an immature
male Orchard Oriole and then a Northern Parula and a Warbling
Vireo, as well as female Hooded Warbler. A thrill for everyone
here was up to six Ruby-throated Hummingbirds which performed
very well as they fed on and sat around some red flowery bushes.
Happy with this we then left for our new motel ready for an
evening meal.
Glorious sunrise
Whooping Cranes
DAY 4
Thursday 6th April
We had our breakfast and
then left our Hotel in Corpus Christi to head south on Route 77. We
stopped by a small bridge to view a colony of Cave Swallows and we
also found several Blue-winged Teal on a small pond there. Other
roadside stops included a superb Crested Caracara sat on a roadside
bush, a Swainson's Hawk flying low overhead and a couple of
Red-tailed Hawks. At Sarita rest stop we watched up to twenty
Brewers Blackbirds and then eventually, after a bit of a run around,
John found us a superb male Hooded Oriole that sat right out in full
view. We then continued on to Harlengen and after checking into our
Motel, we had our lunch, and then drove to Laguna Atascosa. On route
we stopped for a Golden-fronted Woodpecker that eventually showed
very well and at the same time we found a Lark Sparrow sat on a
wire. Once we arrived at Laguna we got out of the vehicles and then
were immediately accosted by a Wildlife TV Cameraman who then
interviewed myself and Nick for their programme. At a small
waterhole here, we were instantly greeted by a gaudy but beautiful
Green Jay bathing with the grackles. A look from the nearby photo
blind saw nothing but a Coach Whipsnake enjoying a drink. We then
decided to look around the Kiskadee trail. Peering low into the
bushes we were all able to watch an Olive Sparrow hopping around and
then a little further along we found a Lincoln Sparrow, Long-billed
Thrasher and a Ladder-backed Woodpecker. An Ovenbird proved
illusive, as did for some a pair of Great Kiskadees. We then came
across a couple of Couch's Kingbirds and a Black-crested Titmouse.
Returning back around the trail we had excellent views of the
Ladder-backed Woodpecker again and once back by the drinking pools
everyone saw the Great Kiskadees superbly well. We then decided to
drive along the Bay loop. We hadn't gone far before a Greater
Roadrunner was spotted beside the road and then ran off into the
bush. Our next stop was for a pair of Vesper Sparrows that showed
well, and then a distant Harris Hawk was spotted. Moving on we then
found a single sparrow beside the road, this turned out to be a
Botteri's Sparrow Ñ a really good find. Several Crested Caracaras
flew around and Chihuahuan Ravens were also spotted. Beside the
beach three Wilson's Plovers sat quietly while Gull-billed Terns,
White Ibis and Caspian Terns were also noted. As we returned back
around the loop two Armadillos were seen as well as three
Black-winged Kites. We watched a male American Kestrel and then
found the Greater Roadrunner again. This time he ran along the road
in front of us and then went just inside the bush, eventually coming
out beside the van and showing incredibly well. As we left the Park
and the sun was setting, we found a close Harris Hawk sat on a
telegraph pole and beside it was an American Kestrel, while across
the road the beautiful song of a Long-billed Thrasher drew our
attention to this bird sat in full view on top of a tree. Add to
this several more Couch's Kingbirds and we'd had a good day from
which it was now time to return back to our Motel.
DAY 5 Friday 7th April
Today after breakfast we drove
towards Santa Ana reserve. We stopped beside a ploughed field
where we counted twenty five Swainson's and ten Red-tailed
Hawks sat around. Amongst these birds we spotted a nice dark
phased Swainson's Hawk as well as six or more Upland Sandpipers.
A little further along beside another field, this time with
water held in the furrows, we found three Buff —breasted
Sandpipers, several Pectoral Sandpipers, American Golden Plovers,
Least Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin and a Horned
Lark. Continuing on to Santa Ana we then parked up and walked
out to Pintail Lake. Couch's Kingbirds were seen everywhere
and Great Kiskadees were also spotted. Olive Sparrows hid
in the undergrowth while on the lake we saw a few Pied-billed
Grebes, Blue-winged Teals and a Green Heron. A huge Ringed
Kingfisher then quickly flew across the lake calling as we
also watched Common Yellowthroat and House Wrens. Returning
back through the woods we had super views of a pair of Altamira
Orioles and John also saw a Black and White Warbler.
Back by the visitor's centre and headquarters, we all had
a drink and a snack after which we all enjoyed watching several
Buff-bellied Hummingbirds as they fed on the blossoming trees.
Taking a walk to Willow Lake we saw a very close Green Heron
and then a Bronzed Cowbird although a Yellow-breasted Chat
and Orange-crowned Warbler proved a bit difficult. Once at
Willow Lake from the small hides there we enjoyed excellent
views of American Avocet, Stilt Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitcher
and several Least Sandpipers. At the edges of the reed bed
were several Sora's and a Swamp Sparrow while in the bushes
close to us we saw a very nice Nashville Warbler. In this
wood there were a lot of butterflies around including Queens,
Zebra, Pipevine Swallowtails and Giant Swallowtails. In the
heat of the mid-afternoon we decided we would leave and head
towards South Padre Island. We took an early evening meal
at a nearby diner and then proceeded to a small reedy marsh
for the last hour or so of light. On the first pool we looked
at we found a white-morph Reddish Egret, Semi-palmated
Sandpiper, several Least Sandpipers an American Golden Plover
with a couple of Pectoral Sandpipers. As we then got to the
boardwalks we watched two Orchard Orioles sat in a small bush
and then continuing on we found an area of flattened reeds
where we stood and waited. Here we had several extremely close
views of Sora Rails, a Virginia Rail, two Clapper Rails and
the not so showy but very noisy, King Rail. There were also
a couple of Northern Waterthrushes and Swamp Sparrows to be
seen. Looking towards the beach we watched as a couple of
hundred Black Skimmers took to the air and then as the light
started to fade, five Lesser Nighthawks flew around us and
two Black-crowned Night Herons appeared. After this exciting
spell with very close views of birds we then returned to our
Motel.
Altamira Orioles
White-morph Reddish Egret
DAY
6 Saturday 8th April
We had our breakfast and then
headed straight for Anzandulas Country Park. As we drove towards
the Park the skies were black and it was raining very hard.
By the time we actually arrived at the Park the rain had eased.
We all got out and within minutes we were watching a Grey Hawk
sat on its nest. Shortly after a Brown-crested Flycatcher was
heard and then eventually seen on top of a tree. We looked beside
the river and found a Green Kingfisher and then continuing on
through the trees we found several Altamira Orioles and then
heard and found a superb Rose-throated Becard
which showed unbelievably well. We then heard a Tropical Parula
singing and after a short while everyone had excellent views
of this little gem. There were plenty of White-winged Doves
around and at the back of the Park we found a Black Pheobe and
several Ospreys. Just as we were about to leave we found the
Rose-throated Becard again, two Tropical Parulas, two Nashville
Warblers and a Black and White Warbler. We then left and drove
towards McAllen calling in at the sewage farm. Here we found
amongst the many Black-necked Stilts and dowitchers and immaculate
Western Sandpiper stood alongside a couple of Semi-palmated
Sandpipers. There were hundreds of Least Sandpipers as well
as a Wilson's Phalarope, three Pectoral Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers
and a White-faced Ibis. In the skies we watched a Black-winged
Kite and a Coopers Hawk after which we then drove to our Motel
at McAllen for lunch. Having eaten we decided to drive to Bentsen's
State park stopping briefly for a group of six lark Sparrows.
We soon arrived at the Park and were greeted by a couple of
Plain Chachalacas. As we walked around the trailer park we also
saw plenty of Green Jay and Golden-fronted Woodpeckers. We then
heard the distinctive call of a Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
and after a lot of searching and circling around we eventually
pinned it down to a small bush where everyone got to see this
tiny difficult flycatcher. After this we then moved on to an
area where we were going to wait until dusk. With our telescopes
trained on a hole in a dead tree we were then rewarded as the
head of an Elf Owl popped out to look at us. A few minutes later
and looking in a different direction we saw the head of an Eastern
Screech-owl popping his head out of a hole. Both the male and
female Elf Owl then flew out and as we watched the Screech-owl
it also flew out but landed on a nearby branch where just a
few of us managed to get a brief view of it. It was now dark
and time to go.
Rose-throated Becard
DAY
7 Sunday 9th April
After an early breakfast we drove
to Santa Ana for opening time. A brisk walk towards Pintail
Lake was halted when we heard a Clay-coloured Robin singing.
We soon found the bird and enjoyed excellent scope views of
it sat in a tree beside a Scarlet Tanager and a Buff-bellied
Hummingbird. Continuing on we to Pintail Lake we soon found
the superb male singing Grey-crowned Yellowthroat,
a very rare bird for Texas -it then promptly disappeared.
After a half hour wait we found it again and this time everyone
got absolutely stunning prolonged views down to just ten feet
away. After watching a Water Snake swimming across the pond
we then walked back. Luck was obviously on our side today
as we then found two Hook-billed Kites flying over as well
as a Grey Hawk. Heading back towards the headquarters through
the wood we stopped for a White-eyed Vireo which we heard
singing and whilst looking for this bird we found a Common
Parauque which was sat right out in the open on the leaf
litter, just a few feet away. Continuing back we then saw
a Brown-crested Flycatcher and a Buff-bellied Hummingbird
sat on a wire. Geoff then came up trumps with the sighting
of a Groove-billed Ani which just dropped off the tree, as
we were all about to look at it. After our lunch we returned
back to this site where Nick had also heard at least one ani
calling. As we waited a White-eyed Vireo showed very well
while in the skies up to sixty Upland Sandpipers flew over
in several flocks. Swainson's and Broad-winged Hawks started
to pass over and we also saw another Hook-billed Kite. We
then decided to head towards Bentsen where we drove down a
levy to look for Raptors. Apart from a few Swainson's Hawks
it was fairly quiet so we then decided to try a fairly new
reserve called Chihuahua Park. It was very hot here and again
fairly quiet. A nice stick-insect was found a then later as
we came out into a clearing, we heard a Cactus Wren calling.
We also saw a couple of Black-chinned Hummingbirds and a Common
Ground Dove was spotted. Everyone was now hot and tired so
we decided to call it a day and returned to our Hotel.
Grey-crowned Yellowthroat
Common Parauque
DAY
8 Monday 10th April
An early start saw us arrive at Chepeno
fairly early. We parked up and then walked down beside the
river. A Green Kingfisher was spotted and then beside the
river clearing, we found two Audubon's Orioles with one bird
sitting out on a treetop right beside a Red-billed Pigeon.
On the river two huge Ringed Kingfishers flew back and forth
and a couple of Bullock's Orioles were seen. A single Ring-necked
Duck was spotted on the river and then as I put some apples
on a birdfeeder two Brown Jays were spotted briefly flying
in, but most of us missed them. A Bewick's Wren was watched
and could be heard singing and then two other tour groups
arrived at the site. Thankfully we had timed it right as all
the birds that we had seen in the previous hour had now vanished
and could not be found at all. The day was warming up and
we decided to leave. On route we stopped firstly for a pair
of Vermillion Flycatchers beside the road and
then later for an Ash-throated Flycatcher and a superb Cassin's
Sparrow sat on a fence. A Cactus Wren that could be heard
singing was soon tracked down and we watched it sat on top
of a bush. At Falcon Dam we saw a Peregrine Falcon, Several
Crested Caracara's, Swainson's Hawks and Ospreys while Ringed
Kingfisher, a Hooded Oriole and a fly over by five White Pelicans
was also good. At Falcon State Park most of the trailers had
gone but driving around we found two Black-necked Grebes on
the Lake, several Pyrrhuloxia, a very obliging Ash-throated
Flycatcher and a couple of Greater Roadrunners including a
young bird We then continued on to Zapata where we searched
the edges of a small pool for White-collared Seedeater. We
could hear a single bird calling but the briefest of views
meant that we couldn't count it so we then tried San Ygnacio.
We didn't find any seedeaters here but at least ten Yellow-headed
Blackbirds were a good find! Happy with our view of these
birds we then left and continued to our Motel.
Vermillion
Flycatchers
DAY
9 Tuesday 11th April
After an early breakfast we
were soon on our way north along Route 83 heading towards the
Edwards Plateau. Birds seen on route included lots of Scissor-tailed
Flycatchers, several Swainson's and Harris Hawks plus Crested
Caracaras. A stop for petrol produced twenty Brewers Blackbirds
walking around the forecourt and then later, a quick stop for
a Lesser Goldfinch sat on a fence also produced a Bell's Vireo,
White-crowned Sparrows, Bullocks Oriole and House Finch, as
well as five Wild Turkeys. Not too much further along the road
again we stopped and here we picked up a brief Canyon Towhee
then several Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Lark Sparrows, a lovely
male Verdin and several superb Black-throated Sparrows. Next
on the list was an Eastern Pheobe sat on a telegraph wire and
then just before we got to Neal's Lodge a male Eastern Bluebird,
a Spotted Towhee, lots of Chipping Sparrows and a couple of
Nashville Warblers were seen. At Neal's Lodge we soon checked
into our wooden cabins. Just outside the office Black-chinned
Hummingbirds could be seen coming to a feeder while Carolina
Chickadee's and two Hermit Thrushes hopped around our cabins.
After then looking at several very close House Finches we decided
to head across the road for a spot of lunch. With this cafŽ
closed we decided to try a roadside cafŽ about a mile down
the road. While we sat here ordering our lunch and having a
drink we watched a very confiding Western Scrub Jay. There were
also Baltimore Oriole and Hooded Oriole, Ash-throated Flycatcher
and a few Black-chinned Hummingbirds as well as a nesting Bewick's
Wren. After we had eaten we headed back to our cabins. We were
soon out again and checking some local areas. Across the road
beside the cafŽ that was closed, we watched lots of Black-chinned
Hummingbirds very close giving us exceptional views. We also
had Eastern Pheobe, and a lovely Summer Tanager as well as a
bright green lizard. We then got on our bus and drove
across the other side of the river to some other cabins where
we checked the feeders beside Cabin 61. Here we had excellent
views of White-eyed Vireo, Northern Cardinal, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, a Spotted Towhee as well as Olive and Song Sparrows.
It was not the best time of day for birds to come down to the
feeders so we then drove back to the other side of the river
where we then walked along it's edge. This superbly scenic area
full of blue water lagoons was actually alive with birds. A
Solitary Sandpiper sat on the edge of the river and a little
further along we found a beautiful Prothonotary Warbler which
showed very well. Patience then paid off as we then found at
least three Yellow-throated Warblers, a Yellow-throated Vireo,
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Pheobe and a pair of Bushtits
which kept coming back to their little ball shaped nest hanging
from a tree. It was now later in the day and we decided to go
back and try once again behind Cabin 61. Our timing was perfect,
as when we arrived there were two superb Black-capped Vireos
showing very well. These birds are often extremely skulky and
often very hard to find. We then went across for our evening
meal. A few quick arrangements were made and as soon as we had
finished our meal we all jumped into the vehicle and drove a
few kilometres to some private land and then headed up towards
a bat cave. As we approached the area where we were to park,
we could see a stream of what looked like smoke pouring out
of the ground. It was in fact Ôbats'! We then walked up to within
yards of the entrance of this underground cave. Everyone agreed
that this was an absolutely magnificent spectacle as millions
of Brazilian Free-tailed Bats emerged and just filled
the skies. The underground caves here stretch for twenty-three
miles and hold some seventeen million bats, so the spectacle
of these coming out just went on and on for ages. Occasionally
a Merlin or Red-tailed Hawk could be seen snatching an unfortunate
bat from the sky. With millions of these little creatures still
pouring out of the cave we then left and returned back to our
cabins all happy that we had witnessed something never to be
forgotten.
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
Green lizard
Brazilian Free-tailed Bats
Brazilian Free-tailed Bats
DAY
10 Wednesday 12th April
A few of us had a pre-breakfast
walk along the side of the river where we saw a Prothonotary Warbler
and three Yellow-throated Warblers plus several Summer Tanagers and
John and I also watched a Canyon Wren singing from the rock face. As
we walked back to meet everyone else for breakfast, a group of
thirty two Cedar Waxwings flew around and landed in a tree. After
our hearty breakfast, we then went across the road to the feeders
again behind Cabin 61. Here we saw a Spotted Towhee, Olive Sparrow,
White-throated Sparrow, a male Wilson's Warbler and then a male
Black-capped Vireo. Leaving here we then decided to try once again
on the other side of the river where we saw a Black Pheobe while
still around the cabins were one or two Hermit Thrush. We packed up
all of our luggage, got into the minibus and then drove towards Los
Maples. A stop along the side of the road en-route produced a Canyon
Towhee and a male Vermilion Flycatcher which showed beautifully as
it gave a display flight. Continuing on we eventually arrived at Los
Maples Park. Beside the headquarters we saw lots of House Finches,
plus a couple of Pine Siskins and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. It was
looking a bit drizzly so we decided to quickly drive to the back of
the Park and walk towards the distant ponds. Because the weather was
a bit dull and cool not many birds were singing, however a Canyon
Wren could be heard and in one area of trees, we found lots of
Nashville and Orange-crowned Warblers. Once we got to the ponds we
found a Green Kingfisher and amongst a big flock of Chipping
Sparrows we managed to find a few Clay-coloureds. A Bell's Vireo was
seen and then Nick called us back because he had found a singing
Golden-cheeked Warbler, the speciality of this area and a bird that
breeds nowhere else in the world. As we walked back towards him we
found one of our own and eventually we found about four of these
stunningly beautiful and rare birds. As we watched these a huge
flock of warblers then appeared mostly Nashvilles, Orange-crowned
and Black and White as well as Bell's Vireo, Spotted Towhee and
Rufous-crowned Sparrows. We then walked back and returned to our
minibus for lunch. Afterwards we drove into the campground where an
excellent find was a Porcupine sat in a hole on the rock face. On
the ground we found lots of Chipping Sparrows and amongst them were
several Clay-coloured and a Rufous-crowned. Two Western Scrub Jays
were seen and then our best find was of a superb male Scott's Oriole
singing from a bush. Another Golden-cheeked Warbler put in a brief
appearance before we decided to leave the campsite and then drove
back to the headquarters where we parked up and watched the birds
coming down to the feeders. Black-chinned Hummingbirds were common
as well as Inca Doves and Chipping Sparrows. As time went on a
single male Indigo Bunting was then joined by several more and then
just as we were about to leave a stunning male Lazuli Bunting came
in and fed. This bird looked superb and made a excellent end to our
day. We then left here and headed for our new Motel at Kerrville.
DAY
11 Thursday 13th April
We left Kerrville after breakfast
and headed on our long journey towards Houston and the coast. It
took about five hours to drive but once we had got to out
destination at Winnie we could relax and unpack. Our Motel was
ideally based being only a short distance to High Island and the
surrounding good areas. Later on we all got in the minbus and drove
to High Island arriving at Boy Scouts Wood first. Beside the car
park we watched several Blue Jays performing in some small trees and
then we walked into the wood. Bright red Summer Tanagers were soon
seen and it was not long before we came across a flock of Warblers.
At least two male Cerulean Warblers showed well along with plenty of
Tennessee, a Yellow-throated Vireo and two Blue-headed Vireos. By
the area called the cathedral, which was a huge open area looking up
into some trees we saw first a Least Flycatcher and then a
Great-crested Flycatcher. Walking slowly amongst the wooded trails
we soon found ourselves watching the first of at least six Kentucky
Warblers. Geoff then spotted a very close Prothonotary Warbler while
nearby in the undergrowth were lots of Wood, and Swainson's
Thrushes. We then checked an open area of grass where we had
tantalising views of a male Painted Bunting as it hid in the grass.
Brown Thrasher's seemed to be everywhere while Yellow-breasted Chat
and Ovenbird were only seen briefly. Back by the small drinking pool
we all sat down and eagerly awaited the profusion of birds that
would be coming down to drink. Firstly brightly coloured Scarlet and
Summer Tanagers arrived as well as male Baltimore Orioles and Indigo
Buntings. A Northern Waterthrush walked through the back of the pool
and then we enjoyed a colourful procession of warblers including
male Hooded, Blue-winged and Kentucky all drinking and bathing
together. Before we left we decided to have a short walk out onto a
grassy area where we saw at least six Green Herons and a few
White-throated Sparrows after which we returned back to the vehicle
and drove back to our Motel ready for an evening meal.
DAY
12 Friday 14th April
We decided first to visit Boy
Scouts Wood at High Island. A quick stop en-route beside a ploughed
field found us a stunning adult Yellow-crowned Night Heron, several
Little Blue Herons including a few white-phase birds, Snowy Egrets
and a small group of Whimbrel. We then continued on to Boy Scout's
Wood where birds were plentiful this morning. A male Cerulean
Warbler showed well alongside many Tennessee's. A Blue-headed Vireo
was spotted as well as Least Flycatcher and then Mick found a very
close Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Prothonotary Warblers were extremely
confiding as were Kentuckys. We then found another Painted Bunting,
Great-crested Flycatcher, and then after a bit of searching through
the woods a Worm-eating Warbler was seen by all. Much more difficult
to see was a Swainson's Warbler we found, although John who was
first on the scene, got to see it very well with me. We then left
the wood as it quietened down and headed for Bolivar Flats. Our
first stop was on the beach where beside the many Brown Pelicans,
Double-crested Cormorants and Forster's Terns sat on a pier, we
watched lots of Bottle-nosed Dolphins, and amazingly on the horizon,
several whales could be seen breeching and spouting water from their
blow holes. It was too far away to identify them but exciting all
the same. Moving on to Bolivar we first stopped and looked at a
group of Surf Scoters only a short distance off the beach. Further
on another flock of sea ducks included Greater Scaup, Blue-winged
Teal and American Wigeon. We then parked up and walked towards the
thousands of shore birds that filled this entire bay. Wilson's
Plovers showed very well and a line of roosting Piping Plovers were
found. We had views of hundreds of Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs,
Western Sandpipers, Semi-palmated Sandpipers and plovers, Willets,
hundreds of American Avocets, Dowitchers, Brown Pelicans, egrets,
gulls and terns. There was also Black Skimmer and several Horned
Larks to be seen. We left the area and then drove to Bob's Road. We
hadn't gone far before we found a group of seven Blue Grosbeaks
alongside a Chestnut-sided Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo. In the small
ditches there were also several Green Herons. On a nearby pool and
amongst the Blue-winged Teals was a single Green-winged Teal and
nearby a Solitary Sandpiper showed very well. Further along a good
scattering of waders produced a Long-billed Dowitcher amongst
hundreds of Laughing Gulls and we also saw both Sora and Clapper
Rail. We then decided to go back and try Smith's Oak Woods. Here it
was very quiet although we did see a Downy Woodpecker, Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Black and White Warbler and lots of Orchard Orioles. A
quick decision was made and we decided to return to Boy Scout Wood.
Once here, we again thrilled at the many warblers, thrushes and
tanagers. I then found a skulking Swainson's Warbler which was
actually bathing in a little tiny pool. By the time we had all got
to it the bird had walked off deeper into the wood although we did
get brief glimpses of it as well as Ovenbird and Northern
Waterthrush. We then returned back towards the Motel making a quick
stop beside the road bridge so that everyone could see Boat-tailed
Grackle. At the evening meal and the log call incredibly we had
amassed a list of 134 species for the day.
DAY
13 Saturday 15th April
After breakfast we headed
straight to Anahuac Wildlife Reserve. Lots of Eastern Kingbirds were
seen en-route and once we arrive there we drove straight out and
around Shovelar Pond. A Purple Gallinule was seen and then from a
lookout tower we saw a Marsh Wren, several Least Bitterns, lots of
Blue-winged Teals, three Fulvous Whistling Ducks, also Green Heron
and Sora Rail. As we continued slowly around the pond we saw a total
of fourteen Least Bittern, another Sora, lots of alligators and a
few Northern Harriers. Back at the reserve headquarters we enjoyed
some hot coffee and watched a Spotted Sandpiper on the pool. We then
returned towards High Island stopping at a wet field full of shore
birds. Up to seven Pectoral Sandpipers were seen, American Golden
Plover, lots of Whimbrels, Yellowlegs and Willets. In the distance
hundreds of White-faced and White Ibis were seen and a Coopers Hawk
flew through. At High Island it was rather crowded because of the
weekend. We had some lunch and then while John and Joan stayed at
Boy Scout Wood to look at the birds coming down to drink, the rest
of us headed back to Anahuac where we had got invited to an
impromptu Yellow Rail walk. While waiting to meet the head ranger,
Geoff spotted an American Nighthawk flying over and we all enjoyed
good daylight views of this bird. We then had a brief talk by the
Ranger about the Park and Yellow Rail management before we headed
out to the prairie. Once there, we let George, Geoff and John watch
from the edges while the rest of us walked out on an area of wet
marsh. No sooner than we had started a Yellow Rail flew out from
under our feet in front of us. We then left this bird and walked in
a different direction. Quite a few Sedge Wrens were seen and the odd
Seaside Sparrow. We then saw another Yellow Rail before returning
back to the others who had also seen all the birds. All back into
the min-bus we then headed back to High Island to meet Joan and
John. Perfectly timed we arrived at Boy Scout's Wood just as a fall
of birds had started. A Northern Parula was drinking at the pool
alongside Prothonotary, Kentucky, Blue-winged, four Northern
Waterthrush's and a Hooded Warbler. Also coming down to drink was
Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, a Grey Catbird and a Swainson's Thrush.
We then added Chestnut-sided Warbler to our list, but the highlight
was a superb Lawrence's Warbler that showed well to everyone.
Leaving here we then drove the short distance to Yacht Basin Road
and the Bolivar Pennisular. We had good views of Clapper Rail and
Marsh Wren, but then decided to go back to Boy Scout's Wood for the
final few hours. As ever it was the best time of day, with most
people gone we enjoyed unbelievable close views of most species.
Only a few feet away from us was a Worm-eating Warbler and Ovenbird,
while Kentucky warblers almost walked over our feet. The finale came
when I took a look back at the small pool where we had seen the
Swainson's Warbler yesterday and found it there bathing again very
close. After this we then left and returned to our Motel.
DAY
14 Sunday 16th April
We decided to try something
different today so we headed north after an early breakfast to the
big thicket country. En-route we passed several Broad-winged Hawks
and Eastern Bluebirds sat on telegraph wires. Once at our site, we
got out and walked along a dirt track for several hundred metres.
Nick heard a Red-headed Woodpecker calling and we soon found a pair
of these beautiful birds sat on top of a dead tree. Further along we
saw a Yellow-breasted Chat plus several Pine Warblers that were
heard singing and then scoped for everyone to see. Our target bird
was also heard but try as we may; not seen. As we were about to
return another was heard and eventually we found it, a Bachman's
Sparrow which was singing from the top of a small tree allowing all
of us to watch it. We then left stopping to look at yet another
Yellow-breasted Chat and several bluebirds before arriving at
Tyrrell Park for our lunch. We stopped beside a picnic table and in
a nearby puddle watched an adult Yellow-crowned Night Heron. As we
ate, a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers showed well and then after
our picnic lunch we headed to the other side of the Park to Cattail
Marsh. Here we found two confiding Fish Crows giving their
distinctive calls. Alongside the pools here we found up to twenty
Sora Rails plus three Least Bitterns. There were White-faced Ibis
and a superb Roseate Spoonbill plus two Black-crowned Night Herons
and a good selection of waders and ducks. On our return walk we had
very close views of a Blue Grosbeak while Geoff had also been
watching a Virginia Rail. It was now mid afternoon and the lure of
Boy Scout's Wood called so we left the big thicket country and
headed back and arrived there about 3.30pm. Once again perfect
timing as nothing much had been happening prior to our arrival. We
then enjoyed the spectacle of watching the drinking pool in perfect
light as firstly a male American Redstart came down followed by a
Yellow Warbler and then a Golden-winged Warbler. Up to five Northern
Waterthrush's were there as well as a Blue-winged Warbler,
Worm-eating, Tennessee, Hooded, Kentucky, Scarlet and Summer
Tanagers, lots of Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Indigo Bunting and
the superb Painted Bunting. Walking around we also found two
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds another Yellow Warbler, Red-eyed,
Yellow-throated and Warbling Vireos, an Arcadian Flycatcher plus
several Brown Thrashers and Wood Thrush's. We then decided to try
our luck at Smiths Oaks. It wasn't long before we found hundreds of
Indigo Buntings in the grass. Joan then found a lovely Yellow-billed
Cuckoo which showed very well and then as we watched, the treetops
became alive with birds as a wave of species passed through. There
were up to fifty orioles, both Baltimore and Orchard, lots of
Eastern Kingbirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Blue Grosbeaks, Rose-breasted
Grosbeaks, a few vireos and warblers and now over a hundred Indigo
Buntings were sat in the bushes making it look like Christmas. We
decided to leave here and spend the last hour at Anahuac where we
drove slowly around Shovelar Pond. Several views of Least Bitterns
were had and from the platform overlooking the lake, we saw two
Black-crowned Night Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, lots of Blue-winged
Teals, Fulvous Whistling Duck and some Short-billed Dowitchers.
Continuing on a male Northern Harrier was seen and then Linda
spotted the bird we had been looking for beside the track. We could
only see the head of it so we drove just around the corner and
looked back and there stood on the bank, was an excellent American
Bittern. We got the telescopes out and had wonderful views of it as
it hunted along the grassy bank. Content and happy at finding this
bird we headed back for an evening meal where tonight John tried out
alligator which was on the menu.
DAY
15 Monday 17th April
Up early again this morning we drove straight to Yacht Basin
Road. We got out of the minibus and immediately found the birds we
were looking for. Up to six Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows. These
birds, although very elusive, did come out on to the grass and sat
for all of us to see. We also had excellent views of Seaside Sparrow
and Clapper Rail before heading for the nearby restaurant for our
breakfast. After we had eaten we drove to Boy Scout's Wood for our
final look. It was exceptionally quiet and after yesterday's fall
the only real bird of note was seen by Linda, a Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker. Finishing off here we drove back to our Motel, packed our
luggage and then headed for Houston airport and our flight back to
the UK. The plane left on time and so ended a spectacular tour of
Texas where we saw a total of 293 species of birds!
An excellent tour with some excellent birds seen including
everything that we had hoped for. Myself and Nick would just like to
thank everyone for making this tour such a pleasure to
lead. Steve Bird
