Prickly Pear Cactus

Altimira Oriole weaving a nest

Pauline and Louisa at Falcon Dam

The mighty Rio Grand as seen from Falcon Dam

Texas: Day Eight

One last morning in the valley allows us to search out a few specialties of the area.  The Rio Grande is flowing high today, the result of the Falcon Dam releasing the most water I have ever seen in 15 years.  A stop along the river produces Muskovi Duck, only countable in the US when found over or close to the river,  Altimira Oriole, our largest and most colorful oriole, and superb long looks at the elusive Curve-billed Thrasher.

The Rio Grande is the border between the US and Mexico in Texas, with few crossings as interesting as the one at Falcon Dam.  If you drive out across the dam, releasing your fears of armed guards (of which we saw none), you get an incredible view and opportunity to see a part of two countries that few visit.  One can stand on the border, jump back and forth from country to country (which I must have done 20 or more times), and take your friends' picture as they stand on the line at a truly impressive monolithic monument to both countries.  We spend a lot of time here, many of us in a spirit of personal meditation.

Our afternoon is spent on the road moving to the north and the Balcones Escarpment otherwise known as the Edwards Plateau, a lovely refuge from the heat of the desert and  clear contrast to the parched landscape of the previous five days.  Our traditional stop at Dairy Queen in Laredo, Texas was not passed-up, nor was the mandatory liter of coffee for the drivers and double-dipped ice cream wonders for the kids, young and old.

Our lodging overlooks one of the most pristine rivers in Texas.  We can hardly wait until tomorrow to explore some more.

Cheers,

Andy

Black-throated Green Warbler

Cave Swallows

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Texas: Day Seven

The Rio Grande Valley has once again lived up to its reputation as a place of great surprises and superbly consistent quality birds. The travelers spent some time this morning with a Gray Hawk on the nest, Clay-colored Robins cruising below, and Northern Beardless Tyrannlet providing the song for the whole scene. 

Life along the Rio Grande is indeed that, Grande, for the birds, a fueling station before the final push to the north. We found the right oasis today where the previous day's winds has brought with it some of North America's warbler gems, including Blue-winged, Worm-eating, Black-throated Green, Golden-winged, and so many more, not to mention the local specialties like Cave Swallow, Olive Sparrow, and Altamira Oriole.

A short afternoon venture north of the river let us see other habitats and collect some great views of Wilson's Phalaropes spinning in unison and migrant Franklin's Gull on their way to inland nesting sights.

If you are on the boarder, the Mexican food cannot be beat; avoid the chains and go for authentic. Ask the locals where the best food is... they will know.

More along the Rio Grand tomorrow morning and then we travel to the Edwards Plateau.

Hasta luego,

Andy