Day 3 Of Our First Outing

Our third day had us up early and heading for the ferry in Port Aransas. This area was having a mini “fallout”. 

“Bird fallout is when migrating birds must unexpectedly rest in one area due to inclement weather along their migratory route. Severely bad weather brings strong winds that require a lot of energy to fight through. Birds’ “fallout” of the migratory path to save energy and wait for better weather before continuing on with their migration.” 

Heading to the ferry.

The Port Aransas Ferry is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The ferry is free and runs 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The short ride connects Mustang Island and Port Aransas to the mainland via Aransas Pass.

We had the coveted “outside” spot. 

Better to see dolphins and birds.

Brown Pelican

All of the White Pelicans have already migrated north. 

The ferry ride only takes about 5 minutes.

Loading and unloaded takes a lot longer.

We stopped at a place called Paradise Pond that is very small. There were a few nice birds, but also a very industrious gopher digging holes in the garden. 

 Purple Gallinule

Attwater's Pocket Gopher

My, what big teeth you have!

We then headed out to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center (which includes the final settling pond for a sewage treatment plant).  I’ve written about this amazing place a few times and it’s still a favorite birding hotspot of ours.

 A new ADA walkway opened this year.

We stayed here 2 1/2 hours and saw a lot of wonderful birds, many in their bright breeding plumage. Much flashier than when we were here in winter. 

 American Avocet

Love was in the air for the Black-necked Stilts. 

Black-necked Stilts mating

Most Reddish Egrets are purplish red, but about 10% of the population is white. (These are called "white morphs).  There was a striking example of a White morph Reddish Egret posing near the boardwalk. 

Reddish Egret (White morph)

There are more than birds in the marsh here!

American Alligator

Normally we come to the birding center just for the water birds, but in spring the garden area near the parking lot can attract some interesting migrants. Many of these birds are traveling from Central/South America to the northern US and Canada to breed. The Texas coast is a convenient place to stop for food and rest before continuing north. 

Cape May Warbler

Indigo Bunting

Red-eyed Vireo

Worm-eating Warbler exploring the underside of a picnic table 

Dickcissel

Before getting back on the ferry we made another quick visit to Paradise Pond.  We saw a beautiful male Scarlet Tanager, but he never got close enough for a really good picture. But here he is...

Scarlet Tanager

We headed back to Rockport where we had lunch at a newly discovered place.  Shempy’s has been in Rockport for years but we first tried it last November.  It’s a great place if you’re looking for seafood.  They have other things also but why bother?

It’s bigger inside than it looks.

They were featured on The Texas Bucket List

We spent the afternoon birding around the bird blinds at the park before calling it a successful day. We enjoyed watching this Nine-banded Armadillo dig and snuffle its way around the lawn next to a restroom.  

Nine-banded Armadillo

Next time:  Our last day.