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.
While I was on top of the observation platform, I thought I heard a Gray Catbird (sounds like a soft mew). Sure enough, Diane spotted him and we got one good shot. Gray Catbirds are mostly just Winter residents in Texas.
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
This is a female Red-winged Blackbird. Blackbirds love dried cattail leaves and sedges for nesting material.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Two male Red-winged Blackbirds. Winter flocks are usually segregated by gender. Blackbirds are permanent residents of Texas.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
This is a Northern Pintail found in the smaller pond next to Pelican Estates. These ducks are abundant in the West and common in the East.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
A side view of the Northern Pintail.
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Photo credit: Diane Nunley
Parting shot: This is the tower not far from the tractor shed. We are not sure why the Turkey Vultures were visiting. One of the Crested Caracaras just took off from the tower as this photo was snapped.
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
Photo credit: Marcy Spears
in this box:
New comment: Requires approval