Del Rio, Laredo & Falcon Texas

Green Kingfisher 

On our way south along the Rio Grande we stopped in Del Rio at Moore Park where the San Felipe Springs runs fast and clear.  Along the bank were our first Green Kingfishers.  So small and brightly marked.  A treat to behold!



Many Scissor-tailed Flycatchers lined the fences and power lines along the highway as we headed for Laredo.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

We took a campsite at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park in Laredo.  We were able to find over 80 species of birds here and added many to our Texas and year list.

Yellow-crowned Night-heron takes flight

Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly

Rusty Crayfish

Cockroach - Texas sized

Cave Swallow

Tall Prairie - gentian

Groove-billed Ani - aero-dynamic 

One treat was there were many Groove-billed Anis skulking about in the thick brush areas.  This may not be a beautiful bird but very interesting in looks and habits.  Fun to watch.

Silver Garden Spider

We then moved down to Falcon State Park for a couple hot days.  Good thing for electricity and air conditioning.  Ty was out checking for moths and other insects and startled a Bobcat kitten who took off in one direction and then another kitten went the other way and there is Mom looking right at Ty!!  Later he found them together one getting a bath from mom.  The other just curiously looking on.

Bobwhite Quail enjoy the seed we put out

Crested Caracara

At Falcon we had Crested Caracaras and Harris's Hawks, always great to see and a challenge to photograph.  These two held for a moment to check us out.

Harris's Hawk

We had put out some feed for the birds but as dusk arrived so did the Javelinas.  This mom and 2 babies vacuumed up as much seed (and dirt) as they could find.  

Falcon Lake Reservoir 

Giant Swallowtail 

Falcon State Park is developing a very nice butterfly garden and we were able to find a few beauties.

Large Orange Sulfur

Tropical Leaf-wing 

Underwing Moth - color usually only seen when flying

We head for the southern Rio Grande for the winter staying in different areas along the way.   We hope to catch a good hawk migration and butterflies too. Hoping the hot weather turns a little more fall-like soon.
Love & Prayers,
Ty & Ida Baumann