Pic of the Day

Plain Chachalaca, Ortalis vetula:  Bentsen State Park, Texas

     On November 15, I was at Bentsen State Park in the Rio Grande Valley photographing Green Jays, Great Kiskadees and Plain Chachalacas.  The Chachalaca is a noisy, social bird that travels through the woods in fairly large groups.  It is a game bird, but it's smaller size makes it less desirable to hunters than the larger turkey.  Maybe one of the reason I liked the Chachalaca so much is that it remined me of the turkey, and it was less than two week before thanksgiving.  Or, maybe its because I just love saying, Cha-Cha-La-caaaaaa!

Click this link to here calls of the Chachalaca: http://birds.audubon.org/birds/plain-chachalaca

Pic of the Day

Queen Butterfly, Danaus gilippus:  The National Butterfly Center; Mission, Texas

     The Queen Butterfly is a North and South American species of the Nymphalidae family that consist of some 6,000 different butterfly species.  They have colorful upperwings that lay flat when resting.  Their contrasting, dull  underwings look like dead leaves, which provides the Queen Butterfly with cryptic camouflauge.   Other species of the Nymphalidae family include Emperors, Monarchs, Admirals, Tortoiseshells, and Fritillaries.
     To plan your visit to the National Butterfly Center, click this link:  www.missiontexas.net/attractions/naba-international-butterfly-park

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/2000 second @ f5

Pic of the Day

   

Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Amazilia yucatanesnsis:  

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands; Edinburg, Texas

     The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a Mexican species that crosses north of the Rio Grande River, and is fairly common on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande Valley.  I saw my first Buff-bellied Hummingbird last Friday at Quinta Mazatlan Birding Center in downtown McAllen.

     This Buff-bellied was photographed at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands in Edinburg, Texas.  Edinburg is just north of McAllen.  The morning was quite cold for the Rio Grande Valley.  An arctic front that paralyzed half of the lower forty-eight last week had extended its grip all the way to the Mexican border.  I saw this Buff-bellied, and another feeding, then both descended into the plant foliage where it was, no doubt, warmer.

     The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands is a forty-acre natural area that is traversed by winding paths with waterside observation platforms.  Green kingfishers are often seen in the wetlands, though I did not see one the day I was there.  Fortunately I did see the Green Kingfisher on Sunday morning when I visited Estero Llano Grande in Weslaco, Texas. 
       To learn more about birding at Edinburg Scenic wetlands click this link:  www.edinburgwbc.org

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/800 second @ f6.3

Pic of the Day

Clay-colored Robin, Turdus grayi:  Quinta Mazatlan; McAllen, Texas

     Quinta Mazatlan is a historica Adobe mansion, and most importantly a birding center in the heart of McAllen, Texas.  I visited Quinta Mazatlan last Thursday where I added this Clay-colored Robin to my life list.  Also known as the Clay-colored Thrush, it is the national bird of Costa Rica.  McAllen, Texas is at the northern end of its range where it is rapidly expanding. I found this bird, with another of its kind, skulking in the underbrush at this manmade watering hole.  Click this link for more info on birding at Quinta Mazatlan:  
     To learn more about birding at Quinta Mazatlan, click on this link: www.quintamazatlan.com

Quinta Mazatlan; McAllen, Texas

Top:  Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/80 second @ f4.5
Bottom: Nikon D800, Nikkor 35mm f2.8, 1/400 second @ f5

Pic of the Day

Green Jay, Cyanocorax yncas;  Bentsen State Park; McAllen, Texas

     I spent the last three days in McAllen, Texas birding in the Rio Grande Valley; the number one birding destination in the USA.  There are thirty-nine species on the ABA (American Birding Association) check list that can only be found in the valley.  On my short, fast paced stint I saw at least a dozen or more of those specialty species.   Ten of those specialties were lifers that I saw.  The Green Jay is not only an exotic, but it is also the official bird of McAllen.  I shot this Green Jay at Bentsen State Park, just southeast of the center of town.  McAllen is a birder's paradise, and a "must," destination for any birder, or those who just love to watching birds.  
Follow this link to learn more about birding at Bentsen State Park: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/160 sec. @ f7.1