Well before the property owners leave on their trip, I decided that I would take one last final trip before I am tied-down to a house and unable to do any traveling. So the last few days, went down to the Rio Grande Valley to see a friend. Specifically, went to Weslaco, Mission, McAllen, South Padre Island, etc.
I left on Tuesday, April 21st and drove down. Saw a few Red-Tail Hawks on telephone poles as I went. Also, saw a Crested Cara Cara and a few Green Jays. Made it to Weslaco, but then promptly left and drove down to South Padre Island. I had never been before, but it sure is alot different than Port Aransas! First of all the bridge you have to cross to get there is long and I’m not a fan of bridges! But it worked out alright. The beach was really beautiful and clean and the water very blue (again unlike Port Aransas). But the island itself is VERY crowded. Obviously lots of hotels and condos; I’m sure during Spring Break that place is crazy! Very “touristy” and definitely not my kind of place.
But nevertheless, wanted to watch the ocean for awhile so first, went to a place called “Wanna Wanna” and had a beer and sat and watched a paraglider guy try to fight the wind. He did pretty well, but in the end I think he just got tired of the wind and called it a day.
Next went to “Wahoo Saloon” which is on the inland side of the island. It was an awesome place to sit and have a drink and watch the sun go down. I highly recommend it, but be sure to get there early. Here’s some pics I took while relaxing with a Bailey’s:
Sunset-South Padre Island
Sunset-South Padre Island
On the way back, stopped at Port Isabel Lighthouse. Unfortunately, they were closed and it was close to dark and could not snap any pictures. But it looks like a very cool little place with ecclectic little shops and restaurants. Definitely will have to go back there.
On Wednesday, I got up and went to the “World Birding Center-Estero Llano Grande” in Weslaco.
Estero Llano Grande State Park
This was a bird lovers paradise. Very lush lands, lots of water, covered deck for watching the wildlife and lots of trails. I saw several “new” birds for me that I can now officially add to my list. Overall, I logged 30 different species of birds, but I was only able to get two pictures of birds…..Couch’s Kingbird and Sora Rail:
Couch's Kingbird
Sora RailEstero Llano Grande State Park
In addition to the birds, also saw this Red-Eared Slider and Rabbit:
Red Eared Slider
Bunny
And for me, the coolest part about my visit to this park was this lizard, eating another lizard. It took alot of digging and several emails to the park officials to identify this lizard. But apparently it’s called a Rose-Bellied Lizard. It was determined that it was a juvenile, but it’s still a cool looking lizard! Be sure to click on the picture so that it zooms in; the detail on the lizard is pretty amazing!
Rose-Bellied Lizard
Wednesday, April 23rd I decided to visit the Harlingen Arroyo Colorado Refuge in Harlingen, Texas. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures of any birds, but I enjoyed the walk which was partially on the Colorado River. Then I went to “The Thicket” which apparently is a new place in Harlingen called the Harlingen Thicket Bird Sanctuary. It’s still under some development, but there are lots of trails there too. I had the 40 acres all to myself and roamed around alot, but didn’t see or hear much. I did capture this cool picture of an old railroad bridge.
The Thicket
From there, I drove all the way back to McAllen and went to Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center in McAllen, Texas. This was a gorgeous facility. The building itself was beautiful, but the grounds were immaculate. It wasn’t very large, but there were some great little trails and the birds were abundant.
Chacalaca
Golden-Fronted Woodpecker
Great Kiskadee(s)
- Green Parakeet (pair outside nest)
Overall, I had a great time down in the Valley. Came back with some wonderful fresh oranges and grapefruit that were juicy and wonderful! My advice if you want to go, make April the very last month! It’s already in the 90’s down here most days and it’s still Springtime!
