Volunteers landed at the Southeast end of the Island to the site of hundreds of American White Pelicans, camped in with the Brown Pelicans. The White Pelicans were staging for their return home to their nesting grounds while the Brown Pelicans had already set up nesting sites and many were sitting on eggs. Warden Chester Smith said that breeding season seems to have started about two weeks early this year.
Breeding activity seemed to be two weeks ahead of schedule. Be sure to view the VOLUNTEER PHOTOS too!
Click on any of the photos for a larger view. For the largest view, use the "slideshow" option.
Brown Pelicans settling down in the favored spot on the island, Pelican Estates. Pelicans with the red throat pouch are more common on the West coast (Pelican Estates, see map).
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
These pelicans are already sitting on eggs (Pelican Estates, see map).
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
As we walked along the edge of Pelican Estates, some of the sitting Pelicans flew off momentarily leaving their eggs exposed (Pelican Estates, see map). There were so many, it was difficult not to disturb them while moving around the island.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Diane found a lush patch of Indian Blanket wildflowers on the island on the edge of Pelican Estates.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Between Pelican Estates and Pelican Estates 2 the Silver-leaf Sunflower is really starting to take off. Besides providing food for smaller birds, it provides shelter for ground-nesting birds (Tri-colored Herons, and Laughing Gulls). The dead stalks also provide nesting material for the large birds. These sunflowers can grow as high as 6 to 8 feet.
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
Lantana, native to Texas, is one of the favorite nesting spots for pelicans. They like to nest on it or around it. This Lantana was near the tractor shed.
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
While walking around the island, Diane also took photos of other birds that were visiting during workday. This is a Northern Mockingbird also known as the Texas State Bird.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Lincoln Sparrows are regular winter residents in Texas, commonly found in wet meadows, thickets and weedy fields in winter.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
This is an Eastern Phoebe. Phoebes are fly-catchers that winter in Texas (all along the Gulf Coast, actually) and have one of the sweetest calls. You will often see them bobbing their tails.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Female Great-tailed Grackle.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
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