It was a beautiful start to the week with temps in the 80s and sunny skies. A great day to go to Boca Chica. Space X the Gateway to Mars has grown a bunch since we were here 3 years ago.
We had a chat with a nice gentleman waiting for the rocket testing tomorrow. A very unique setup.
The rolling waves were beautiful.
We took a side road to check out the Rio Grande River. There were a few birds hanging out on the Mexican shore.
We stopped at Laguna Vista Park and had lunch while looking across the way at South Padre Island.
We were greeted by a Roadrunner in the parking lot of Laguna Atascosa NWR.
We thought we were going to make a quick walk to look for the rare Blue Bunting that has been spotted at the refuge. But that plan changed when we got caught up in the hype. It was quite comical to watch all these people with only two things in mind, to get a glimpse and a good picture of this secretive bird.
As we sat at the water feature and waited and watched, we were serenaded by the noisy blackbirds and entertained by the Green Jays. We also saw a Road-runner and a Rabbit but didn't get a picture.
Our big sit lasted for 3 hours until we called it quits. There was one bird that sorta looked like a bunting that we got a picture of within the first 45 minutes of sitting. That bird turned out to be the one!!
Monday was a Happy 42nd Anniversary. It was another beautiful day with the temps in the 80s. We hiked a few miles at McKelvey Park. It was a nice hike along the Arroyo Colorado. We saw several butterflies, birds, and lots of pretty flowers.
Hugh Ramsey Nature Park had less people here today than usual but the critter sightings were more frequent. There just might be a correlation between the two.
The Chacalacas, Thrashers, and Doves were at the first feeding station.
A White Ibis was perched in a tree at the first overlook.
The blooms are beginning to take off.
We weren't the only ones enjoying the pretty blooms, so were the bees and the butterflies.
We saw our first for this year, Indigo Buntings.
We made a hike to the river then headed to Honey Haven Lane for a Cowboy Ribeye, baked beans and tator salad. Life is wonderful!!
Tuesday was another one of those windy, no picture taking, kind of days.
Wednesday we finally got up early and went on a bird walk at Estero Llano Grande State Park. Steven and Susan were our knowledgeable guides. We told them up front that we wanted to see a Ringed-kingfisher and they delivered. Cha-Ching another Lifer!!
As a bonus, the Ringed-kingfisher was eating a big ole fish.
A Belted-kingfisher was also hanging out in the area.
We saw over 70 species of birds on this 4 hour tour. It was definitely worth getting up early for.
Thursday, we had a fabulous last day of birding, (for now), in the RGV. We went to Resaca de la Palma State Park on this cool, cloudy day. Quite a difference from the 80 degree weather we have been used to. Maybe it is conditioning us for that Mississippi Spring we are heading toward tomorrow.
When we got there, the parking area was quiet and not the bird happening kind of place it usually is. We went to the water feature, and it was on. There were lots of birds, all in a frenzy. We got all kinds of cool stuff, including, another Lifer, a Tropical Parula.
After the frenzy died, we took a looksy at the Resaca Overlook. Nothing really spectacular as far as wildlife sightings. Just a nice, peaceful sit on the overlook.
We walked along the tram road to the Resaca, again nothing spectacular.
We went back to the water feature where we watched more bird action.
We went back to the loop where we saw our first bird frenzy on our first trip of this year and it was on. We were quite entertained as the birds flitted around.
We were on our way to the truck when we got distracted by all the birds flitting around. We picked up a few more cool shots before departing.
We did a little bit of camper tidying getting ready for our departure tomorrow then relaxed for the night.
Friday we left our gated community and started our trek home. We are staying at the KC Hall RV Park in Hallettsville, Texas. It is a nice park with lots of wildflowers and a few birds.
A Red-shouldered Hawk and an American Kestrel happened to perch in view while we sat outside.
We got a fish fry plate at the hall then called it a night.
We weren't sure of our trek to Crossroads, until Lauren talked to the camp host at the KC Hall last night. We are going to get our big girl panties on and go right thru Houston. Something we usually avoid. We covered some ground today, about 350 miles, although we had about an hour of slow traffic.
We are camped on an end site at the Atchafalaya Rest Area. We got here, set up, (at least what little bit of setting up there was to do), and saw quite a few birds from the comfort of the coach. We heard Blue Jays instead of Green Jays. A definite sign we have left the Rio Grande Valley.
We had a chili dog and a Frito pie and called it a night.
Sunday we were on the road at 7:30 am and through Baton Rouge a little after 8 am.
Total Mileage 5278.8 miles
Total Fuel Used 382.7 gallons
Average Cost of Camping per night $16.61
