Birds and Nature

I stopped at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country to have my lunch 2 days ago and was delighted to find the camping area near the Frio River to be very birdy. In addition to dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers I found this bright Pine Warbler actively foraging in a mixed flock. Other birds included Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers and Eastern Bluebirds. I think this species, which is usually found a little further east, isn't very common here. This one is quite bright yellow, very fitting for a warm day with temps in the upper 70's. SeEtta

On my way through the town of Zapata, TX I stopped for lunch in their city park. In the past the rare White-collared Seedeaters have been seen in this area but I didn't see any. I did enjoy this gorgeous male Vermilion Flycatcher. SeEtta

I visited So. Padre Island yesterday and after the light rain finally stopped I was able to photograph a few birds from the still free portions of the boardwalk that provide wonderful opportunities to view waterbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds much closer than usual. This pretty Little Blue Heron posed for the top pic then looked like it was experiencing pure ecstasy when it scratched an itch as shown in the bottom pic. SeEtta