Buff-bellied Hummingbird... bathing under the sprinkler!
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I guarantee you that Estero Llano Grande State Park is one birding spot that you will immediately fall in love with. It was very hard to leave! I am not sure exactly what made me fall in love with this outstanding state park so instantly. Perhaps it was my first Black-chinned or Buff-bellied Hummingbird, or possibly my first Common Pauraque or maybe it was the copious number of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks that were resting throughout the park. Whatever it was, I want to go back.
No matter where you went, there were birds. The morning started with a gorgeous Altamira Oriole. It then faded into a large number of Great Kiskadees, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Plain Chachalacas. Late morning brought on Paraque's, Hummingbirds, Fulvous Whistling Ducks, and a Bewick's Wren. The remainder of the day brought such highlights as Green Kingfisher, Anhinga, and Curve-billed Thrasher. The last highlight was an unusual Buff-bellied Hummingbird complete with a substantial amount of rufous in the wings. All I'm trying to say is this place is the bomb! I must visit birding destination at least once in anybody's lifetime!
Common Pauraque... this is one of the most amazing birds I have ever seen. It doesn't move and blends in so well that you are likely to never see it. This particular one was alongside one of the trails.
A cute but nameless lizard
Plain Chachalaca... these birds are everywhere and can be compared to chickens. Very wild, but very common.
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks... all over the place!
Softshell Turtle alongside the trail... not really in a good location.
Snowy Egret... one of the most beautiful sights in the south. Not many birds are so picturesque against the water.
5 comments:
Sweet series of shots! That is an awesome park and I can't wait to go back there! Did you look for the White-throated Thrush when you were there?
....looks like this is a place I have to add to my must-see list! I'd get a lot of life birds there...
Kelly... yes, you gotta get there! I want to go back BAD! Rob... I did look for it, didn't see it and then heard they saw it the same day.
I am still SO jealous!!!!! I lived in Texas (near Houston) for 12 yrs. and had no interest in birds then... Duh!!!!
Glad you liked my Woodpeckers... I will have more this next week --since I'm doing the "Best of 2010" series.... SO--check back...
Keep on birding...
Betsy
Wonderful birds and photos. This park will have to be on my have to see places. Thanks for sharing this lovely series of shots.
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