One of the best birding locations in the Rio Grande Valley is Estero Llano Grande State Park near Weslaco, Texas. This park was specifically built as a World Birding Center and has wonderful trails and boardwalks that make it perfect for bird viewing and photography.
There are many man-made wetlands that attract ducks and waders. The conditions were perfect for this picture of a Green-winged Teal male. He was close, the light was great, and the water was calm. Why don't they all come out like this?
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| Green-winged Teal - Male |
Not quite as attractive as the Teal, we saw plenty of Northern Shovelers. They are well named for their over-sized bills.
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| Northern Shoveler - Male |
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| Northern Shoveler - Female |
Estero Llano Grande is one of the only places that you are practically guaranteed to see a Common Pauraque, which roosts on the ground and is very well camouflaged.
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| Common Pauraque |
Another South Texas specialty is the Great Kiskadee.
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| Great Kiskadee |
And like so many other places near the Texas Coast, you can find American Alligators in the freshwater ponds. This big fellow was catching some sun.
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| American Alligator |
Mark
You made me kinda homesick for the Valley.... saw so many "first time" birds there in 2002 - when we volunteered at Santa Ana, that we've gone back several times since. Love that green-winged teal!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. We also love that place.
ReplyDeleteVirginia