March 10
Biked 7.6 miles
Time to move out of the valley and to a State Park or something a bit more rugged.
But first, another birding spot nearby, the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. This was another great find. We decided to bike. The Nature Centre at the start had a feeding station at which we saw so many beautiful birds:
…male and female Ladder-backed Woodpeckers:
…(Life Bird) Clay-colored Robin:
…(Life Bird) Altamira Oriole:
…the sweet Great Kiskadee:
…Cooper’s Hark (he really cleared the site!)
We rode on and saw more at another feeding station. Here David chatted with a guy who had MANY camera toys (including the $$$ lens David envies. I see one in our future!). AND we saw some birds!
…Golden-fronted Woodpecker:
…Black-crested Titmouse
…a reappearance of the beautiful Altamira Oriole:
…a favourite Green Jay:
…the Great Kiskadee (and friend)
At the Hawk Lookout, we met a couple who was helping with a "Hawk Count". They're from Boston and spend the winters birding in Texas. They were so sweet and helpful (unlike some birders who are, frankly, snobs).
And we got some more nice shots:
…a Verdin’s nest, blowing in the wind:
…and a far-off Couch’s Kingbird (Life Bird):
We headed west on Highway 83, an interesting drive. It was less commercial than other parts further south (or east? I get confused). There is such disparity on this highway. On the left were large "mansions", one with a copper roof. On the right were run down concrete houses or trailers.
We saw a couple of "interesting" billboards for lawyers. Carlos A. Garcia had a series of three where he bragged about having charges of things like Domestic Violence and Capital Murder DISMISSED! Wow. But another attorney had a picture of Jesus washing the feet of a follower and the line was "At Your Service". Hmmm...
We passed a couple of very brightly (neon coloured decorations and balloons) cemeteries then a sign for Curves (I was a member for 5 years) but, alas, this was Curves, The Gentlemen's Club.
Being so close to Mexico, this part of Texas is primarily Hispanic and shows a mix of both cultures.
After the great birding at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, we had a disappointing stop at the Roma Bluffs though David did get his first ever look at Mexico and the Rio Grande:
...and the town had beautiful historic buildings:
...including a church with barred windows (interesting statement):
We got in to Falcon State Park and found our way to a great campsite, here in the start of the desert. It's hot, sunny and dry and beautiful.
We took a short bike ride, visited the Butterfly Garden:
and spoke with a couple next door who both work at Big Bend. We'll get some good advice.
Another great day in Texas.
Here's the view of me in my chair:
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