Moving up river...

We got up at 5 AM this morning to walk out and head over to Anzalduas County Park for a morning raptor watch.  On our way out we passed a couple of the harder core owlers hoping to hear their first Elf Owl of the year.  By the time we got to the parking lot, the Gambill’s (a couple of birders in their eighties) were getting ready to do their almost daily morning walk into the park.  They informed us that the park we were headed for doesn’t open until 8:30 AM!  We stood there all bleary eyed wondering what to do!  Marcel and Dad stayed at the car for a while and had some breakfast.  Joel and Mom went walking to listen for owls and eventually met up with the Gambill’s, who kindly let them tag along.  They heard the Eastern Screech again, and got some nice lessons on some of the other birds calling including a nesting pair of Gray Hawks!  By the time they got back to camp, tents and gear were almost all packed up.

Javelina - by Joel Such

Great Kiskadee - by Joel Such

At Anzalduas, the Gambel’s had told us that a Hook-billed Kite comes across the river from Mexico at 9:45 AM!  At 9:40 AM, five minutes early, there it was!

We spent the afternoon canoeing on the Rio Grande up river from Roma with a World Birding Center trip.  Highlights were Gray Hawk, Green Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, and Muscovy Duck!  After taking out, we all spent a bit of time enjoying the feeders at Salineno before heading back to Roma where we spent the night.

Birdwatching on the Rio Grande - by David Such