Spring is in the air! Northern Cardinals are calling in their territories that we can see from above on the hawk tower at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.
Additional bright red birds are migrating through such as this Vermilion Flycatcher
This male Vermilion was at the RV Park
Along with this female Vermilion Flycatcher
The blossoming Coaralbean Tree is attracting birds and butterflies
Monarch Butterflies are migrating through
Bumblebee collects pollen
Fiery Skipper feeds on Lantana blossom
Golden-fronted Woodpecker lands on snag six feet from the tower
Yellow-throated Warbler migrates through with mixed flock of song birds
Yellow-throated Warbler
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
This N. Mockingbird serenades us throughout the night
"Our" Great Horned Owl pants in the heat while Junior peaks over the edge.
Mom sleeps while the two owlets are growing fast
Flock of Cedar Waxwings stop to rest on northward migration
Anhingas also are migrating in large flocks over the tower.
Broad-winged Hawks have started their big push to northern nesting grounds.
We counted almost 3,000 yesterday.
Swainson's Hawks are heading to the western regions
Black Vultures
Good ID marks on Black Vultures are their white "mittens".
White-tailed Kite
Gray Hawks are nesting at the Park
Year-round resident - Crested Caracara
Ty took a rugged field trip to Santa Margarita Ranch about 60 miles west of Mission.
This view is of the Rio Grande from the bluffs looking into Mexico.
The temps that day were almost 100 degrees, no breeze, up hill and down.
Green Kingfisher low above the river.
The tour group was delighted to hear and see the Rose-throated Becard
He stuck around for many photographs
Hundreds of birders have traveled to S. Texas for this very rare visitor.
The large (16 1/2") Brown Jay hasn't been in the U.S. since 2012.
Three of the four Jays (2 adults & 2 Juveniles) come almost daily for fruit.
Guides and visitors bring fruit and suet to lure the birds in.
Our tour group spent 4 1/2 hours in the vicinity hoping for a look.
They came in 5 minutes before our departure time.
Many high fives were shared by all.
We have one more month of hawk watch before we start migrating north with the birds.
Love & Prayers,
Ty & Ida Baumann
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