Since I had a work trip to Texas, we went in search of whooping cranes and other birds. There is a lot to take issue with in Texas, and we were able to join a small protest in Austin, but we were able to visit family, friends, and wonderful birds.
Love is in the Air. In Rockport, TX there is a heron rookery (behind a liquor store). There were probably about a hundred blue herons there. Blue herons are monogamous and were working in pairs to build their nests, and were giving each other lots of attention, like in this photo. Taken in Rockport, TX on March 5, 2023.Hiding or Preening. It is not exactly clear what this Northern Shoveler was doing, but he was fun to watch. Taken at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve on March 5, 2023.High on the light pole. These brown pelicans were just hanging out. Taken at Goose Island State Park in TX on March 6, 2023.Bath time. These white ibises seem to be having a great time taking a bath. Taken at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve on March 5, 2023. Carbon copy. I love avocets with their upcurved bills, and they do fly through Chicago, but I seem to always miss them. So, I was very happy to find them in TX. Taken at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve on March 5, 2023.Grackles have a lot to say. This was a very vocal great-tailed grackle, one of many. Taken near Goose Island State Park in TX on March 6, 2023.Beach walk. We couldn't be that close to the beach without going there for a little walk and this sanderling was taking a beach walk of its own. Taken at on Padre Island, TX on March 5, 2023.Not a bird. We stayed at an airbnb outside of Austin and near our meeting location. We had chickens and longhorns in our backyard, including this one. Taken near Dripping Springs, TX on March 8, 2023.