A timberdoodle-dandy day in Port a
A calm, overcast morning at Holt Paradise Pond delivered one of those rare birding days where everything lines up. From a cooperative Wood Thrush near the boardwalk to an American Woodcock tucked into the leaf litter beneath a willow, the outing ended with a long-anticipated lifer and a reminder that patience often pays off.
A Windy Day at Suter
A steady east-southeast wind shaped the morning at Souter Wildlife Refuge, keeping bird activity scattered and subdued. While the boardwalk was quiet, distant rafts of Redheads, American White Pelicans, and a few well-placed surprises made for a reminder that even slow mornings still tell a story.
A Morning Out With the Gulls and the Boys
I took the boys out for a quick birding trip at the JFK Wetlands that turned into a surprisingly eventful morning. After watching the usual shoreline crowd and dealing with a fogged-up 400mm, we ended up chasing a Sabine’s Gull in Port Aransas — easily one of the simplest rare birds I’ve found all year.
A Few Scenes From the Bay This Morning
When you’re waiting for the rare bird, might as well showcase how gorgeous our bay is in the morning.
Fork-tailed determination
On Sunday afternoon, local birder Emma Mathis spotted a Fork-tailed Flycatcher (FTFL) along County Road 43 in Nueces County. The sighting lit up the local birding chats almost immediately. It’s one of those birds that makes everyone stop what they’re doing. The Fork-tailed Flycatcher is a rare visitor to Texas, more often seen in Central or South America, but every now and then one shows up along the Gulf Coast just long enough to make a few birders lose their minds.
Packery Channel | Corpus Christi
A rare Brown Noddy made a surprise appearance along the Packery Channel Jetties in early April. I headed out to try and find it, and ended up photographing it twice—once on purpose and once without even realizing it.
Turnbull Birding | Port Aransas
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, Texas, offered the perfect setting for a January morning of birdwatching. With clear skies, no wind, and temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees, the conditions were ideal for exploring the center's scenic boardwalk. During a 1.4-mile stroll through the wetlands, the author observed an impressive 36 bird species, including highlights like the Clapper Rail, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Marsh Wren. The thoughtfully designed center features interpretive signs and viewing platforms, making it accessible to birders of all experience levels.
This serene escape provided an opportunity to connect with nature, share sightings with fellow birdwatchers, and reflect on the beauty of the wetlands. From the graceful flight of the Northern Shovelers to the vibrant dance of a warbler along the entrance walkway, each moment underscored the biodiversity of this special place. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just enjoy the outdoors, a visit to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is an unforgettable experience.
