We had a more leisurely start on Wednesday at Estero Llano Grande SP, where several “zooties” had been showing up. We were guided into a normally closed construction area (along with about 50 other birders) and saw a Tropical Parula and an exotic Black-throated Magpie-jay. The windy conditions prevented us from seeing the Rose-throated Becard hanging out there, however. They also have very cooperative pauraque, with one next to a trail for a close look and photos. Our next stop was Frontera Audubon Thicket in search of the female Crimson-collared Grosbeak. After searching and waiting for some time, she finally revealed herself. Our last stop in the area was at Santa Ana NWR. After hitting the trails (and the gift shop) we began the journey to Zapata. We stopped at Roma Bluffs to watch the sun go down, but there were no Muscovy fly-bys.
Wednesday
Estero Llano Grande State Park
A huge group led by volunteers through a construction area
Watching the Tropical Parula
Black-throated Magpie Jay
Orchid tree
Pauraque
Hiking to the Visitor’s center at Estero Llano Grande
Crimson-collared Grosbeak at Fontera
Orange-crowned Warbler at Fontera
Spanish moss at Santa Ana NWR
Spanish Moss
The observation tower at Santa Ana
Observation tower
Great Horned Owl with chick
Watching Spoonbills
Spoonbills
Anhinga
Black-necked Stilts
Blue Winged Teal
Common Pauraque
Least Grebes
Least Grebe with fish
Roma
The Rio Grande from the Roma bluffs
Roma observation deck
Roma observation deck
Sunset over Mexico
