Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus
Similar to the familiar Northern Cardinal, the Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus, is resident in the northern parts of Mexico and and southern parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. They prefer desert scrub as well as riparian woodland.
 Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus juvenile |
 Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus |
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
Least Bittern male
It is always a thrill to see this tiny heron, more often I only hear it, or perhaps catch a fleeting glimpse. The Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis, breeds from Canada to Northern Argentina. In winter they move south from the colder northern portions of its range. The breeding mals shows a red portion at the base of its bill.
 Least Bittern female |
 Least Bittern male |
 Least Bittern female |
This pair was photographed in Texas, near the Louisiana border.
If you would like to be informed of future Nature posts, Click Here.
As you move west along the Rio Grande River from Brownsville towards Falcon Dam, you move from moist air and verdant vegetation to dry desert conditions and a new set of plants and animals. The Falcon dam was opened in 1953 and the Falcon Dam State Park, in the area around the lake created by the dam, in 1965. (more…)
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary located at the south of Brownsville near the Mexico border, is an area run by the Texas Audubon to protect a remnant of the beautiful habitat that once stretched along the Rio Grande River. Many of the interesting birds whose range is in extreme southern Texas, are to be found here, and many can be found at the feeders behind the visitor’s center, Black-crested Titmouse, Green Jay, Plain Chachalacha, Olive Sparrow, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, and Audubon’s Oriole are all regular visitors. (more…)
Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge was set aside in 1946 as a winter refuge for Ducks but it has a variety of habitat and a diverse assortment of species. (more…)
The Aransas Wildlife Refuge is best known as the winter home of the Whooping Crane. Once at the edge of extinction, in 1941 only 15 wild birds wintered in the area, it has slowly increased its population. It is still in a precarious state however. During the winter season, Whooping Crane tours regularly go from nearby Rockport into Aransas Bay, but you may occasionally see them from the refuge. (more…)
Anahuac Wildlife Refuge (pronounced anna-wak) at first light is a great way to start a birding trip.The refuge was established to protect waterfowl wintering area and partially financed through the Federal Duck Stamp program, and waterfowl can be found in abundance. In winter, it is home to many species of ducks but by early spring, most have left to make their way to their summer breeding areas. (more…)
Powered by WordPress
