

Friday morning I launched out of my campsite on a mission to explore one of the crown jewels of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park, south of Weslaco. It was a little over an hour’s drive via the Military Road, which follows the Mexican border. I drove through a drizzling overcast sky, and on my arrival I had doubts about how to protect my gear from the leaking skies. I’d made a water resistant cover for my big camera and lens, but it seems I left it on the West Coast before I left home. I thought I’d experiment with my D500 with the 70-200 f2.8 and a 2x extender. Including the 1.5 ratio sensor on the camera, I can shoot at 600mm and the rig is small enough to allow hand holding, plus I can tuck it under my rain jacket if need be.
I walked down the path leading from the parking lot and when I reached the end of the trail and I heard the commotion of an upset bird. I followed the noise and found the Elegant Trogon I’d heard was visiting the park. There were a few other observers there. One of them was a woman with a small camera who aggressively approached the bird in her efforts to capture an image with her undersized camera gear. Clearly, she had upset the bird. Within minutes, the bird cleared the boundary fence and left the area and wasn’t seen again the rest of the morning. I snapped a few frames with my hand-held rig before the bird flew off, but only one image was usable.
As the morning progressed, the skies lightened, and the clouds lifted. So I hiked back to the RV and swapped my light camera rig for the big setup I prefer. When I returned to the scene of the crime, some kind birders put me onto a pair of Pauraques. The cryptic coloring of the birds made them all but disappear in the leaf litter under the tree where they sheltered on the ground. During the time I spent with these nightjars, they remained all but motionless. I left them undisturbed to look for other birds in the park. I returned twice over the following two hours, and they remained stationary, but the changing light made it worth persisting in my efforts to catch more images. I kept hoping they would at least open their eyes, but I never saw more than a narrow eye-slit, not even the reflection of an eyeball.
I continued exploring the park and found trails to the visitor center and the adjacent ponds. I learned they had recently filled them with precious water. I walked the full perimeter of the nearest pond (called the Ibis Pond) and found a bright male Vermilion Flycatcher hawking insects from high perches. I worked on capturing him in flight and successfully caught several takeoffs and landings. There were other worthy birds at Ibis Pond, but I especially enjoyed a Great Kiskadee when it posed nearby. I’d been hearing their calls all day and catching fleeting glimpses of them high in the canopy, but this bird was at eye-level and in perfect light. I even captured several frames of this large flycatcher while it was airborne.
I stayed late into the afternoon, and when the day was done, I’d marched almost 2 miles. Aside from getting teased with the trogon earlier, the birding started off slow, but later picked up nicely. I took an awful lot of images and had my work cut out to pan for the gold. After rinsing out most of the sand and gravel, there were a few flecks of color at the bottom of the pan. Estero Llano Grande State Park more than lived up to its reputation.
The birds I met and photographed included American White Pelican, Black-Crested Titmouse, Black Phoebe, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Blue-Winged Teal, Common Pauraque, Eastern Fox Squirrel, Elegant Trogon, Gadwall, Golden-Fronted Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Green-Winged Teal, Least Grebe, Least Sandpiper, Mottled Duck, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Red-Tailed Hawk, Red-Winged Blackbird, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Snowy Egret, Spotted Sandpiper, Vermilion Flycatcher, White-Tipped Dove, and Yellow-Rumped Warbler. I also enjoyed meeting some Texas butterflies on my walk. I’m not the most experienced butterfly hunter, but I believe I captured images of Mexican Bluewing, Lyside Sulphur, and Tropical Leafwing butterflies.

American White Pelican(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) |
Description: Sometimes a glance beyond the canopy can be worthwhile. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:57 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: AmericanWhitePelican_D5X4087-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


American White Pelican(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) |
Description: Sometimes a glance beyond the canopy can be worthwhile. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:57 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: AmericanWhitePelican_D5X4097-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black-Crested Titmouse(Baeolophus atricristatus) |
Description: Like little kleptomaniacs, these birds swoop in to snatch a single seed, then fly off to release it from the hull, only to return for a repeat visit. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:20 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 340 mm, f/8.0, 1/250 |
File Name: BlackCrestedTitmouse_D509393-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black-Crested Titmouse(Baeolophus atricristatus) |
Description: Like little kleptomaniacs, these birds swoop in to snatch a single seed, then fly off to release it from the hull, only to return for a repeat visit. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:24 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/250 |
File Name: BlackCrestedTitmouse_D509498-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Phoebe(Sayornis nigricans) |
Description: I met this bird hawking insects at the Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:23 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BlackPhoebe_D5X4540-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Black Phoebe(Sayornis nigricans) |
Description: I met this bird hawking insects at the Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:23 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BlackPhoebe_D5X4553-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher(Polioptila caerulea) |
Description: I usually meet Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers during their breeding season, but south Texas hosts them even in winter. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:22 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: BlueGrayGnatcatcher_D5X4214-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher(Polioptila caerulea) |
Description: I usually meet Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers during their breeding season, but south Texas hosts them even in winter. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:56 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: BlueGrayGnatcatcher_D5X4276-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Blue-Winged Teal(Spatula discors) |
Description: Sometimes bathing seems like pure joy. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:51 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: BlueWingedTeal_D5X4359-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Common Pauraque(Nyctidromus albicollis) |
Description: Had it not been for the kindness of strangers, I would have passed by these cryptic birds roosting among the leaf litter in the underbrush. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:42 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: CommonPauraque_D5X4014-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Common Pauraque(Nyctidromus albicollis) |
Description: Had it not been for the kindness of strangers, I would have passed by these cryptic birds roosting among the leaf litter in the underbrush. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:45 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: CommonPauraque_D5X4034-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Common Pauraque(Nyctidromus albicollis) |
Description: Had it not been for the kindness of strangers, I would have passed by these cryptic birds roosting among the leaf litter in the underbrush. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:37 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: CommonPauraque_D5X4263-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Common Pauraque(Nyctidromus albicollis) |
Description: Had it not been for the kindness of strangers, I would have passed by these cryptic birds roosting among the leaf litter in the underbrush. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:21 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: CommonPauraque_D5X4306-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Common Pauraque(Nyctidromus albicollis) |
Description: Had it not been for the kindness of strangers, I would have passed by these cryptic birds roosting among the leaf litter in the underbrush. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:22 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: CommonPauraque_D5X4309-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Eastern Fox Squirrel(Sciurus niger) |
Description: Birds weren’t the only creatures taking advantage of the seed feeders. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:28 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: EasternFoxSquirrel_D5X3985-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Elegant Trogon(Trogon elegans) |
Description: I arrived only seconds before a lady photographer with a small camera chased this bird away with her aggressive approach to the bird, trying to get a picture. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 9:54 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 320 mm, f/8.0, 1/160 |
File Name: ElegantTrogon_D509378-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Gadwall(Mareca strepera) |
Description: Gadwall were among the throngs of ducks at the Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:07 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: Gadwall_D5X4463-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Golden-Fronted Woodpecker(Melanerpes aurifrons) |
Description: These woodpeckers were more often heard than seen during my visit. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:51 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/320 |
File Name: GoldenFrontedWoodpecker_D509604-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Great Kiskadee(Pitangus sulphuratus) |
Description: Kiskadees were quite vocal and could be heard from their high canopy perches throughout the park. At Ibis Pond, they were more cooperative. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 15:02 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreatKiskadee_D5X4610-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Great Kiskadee(Pitangus sulphuratus) |
Description: Kiskadees were quite vocal and could be heard from their high canopy perches throughout the park. At Ibis Pond, they were more cooperative. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 15:02 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreatKiskadee_D5X4613-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Great Kiskadee(Pitangus sulphuratus) |
Description: Kiskadees were quite vocal and could be heard from their high canopy perches throughout the park. At Ibis Pond, they were more cooperative. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 15:03 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreatKiskadee_D5X4622-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Great Kiskadee(Pitangus sulphuratus) |
Description: Kiskadees were quite vocal and could be heard from their high canopy perches throughout the park. At Ibis Pond, they were more cooperative. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 15:03 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreatKiskadee_D5X4626-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Green Jay(Cyanocorax yncas) |
Description: More often heard than seen, Green Jays were never far away while I toured the park. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:23 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/320 |
File Name: GreenJay_D509479-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Green-Winged Teal(Anas carolinensis) |
Description: At Ibis Pond, most of the ducks I saw were Green-Winged Teal. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:23 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreenWingedTeal_D5X3945-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Green-Winged Teal(Anas carolinensis) |
Description: At Ibis Pond, most of the ducks I saw were Green-Winged Teal. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:06 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreenWingedTeal_D5X4462-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Least Grebe(Tachybaptus dominicus) |
Description: I only saw one Least Grebe here, but it was only my second meeting with the species. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:32 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: LeastGrebe_D5X4565-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Least Sandpiper(Calidris minutilla) |
Description: I found a pair of Least Sandpipers haunting the margins of Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:19 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: LeastSandpiper_D5X4508-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Least Sandpiper(Calidris minutilla) |
Description: I found a pair of Least Sandpipers haunting the margins of Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:20 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: LeastSandpiper_D5X4522-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Lyside Sulphur(Kricogonia lyside) |
Description: Butterfly photography is not my specialty, but I could not resist the temptation to capture a few images of them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:08 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: LysideSulphurButterfly_D5X4288-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Mexican Bluewing(Myscelia ethusa) |
Description: Butterfly photography is not my specialty, but I could not resist the temptation to capture a few images of them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:05 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: MexicanBluewingButterfly_D5X4143-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Mexican Bluewing(Myscelia ethusa) |
Description: Butterfly photography is not my specialty, but I could not resist the temptation to capture a few images of them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:06 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: MexicanBluewingButterfly_D5X4145-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Mexican Bluewing(Myscelia ethusa) |
Description: Butterfly photography is not my specialty, but I could not resist the temptation to capture a few images of them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:11 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: MexicanBluewingButterfly_D5X4156-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Northern Mockingbird(Mimus polyglottos) |
Description: As with everywhere I’ve been in Texas, mockingbirds seem to be everywhere. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:15 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: NorthernMockingbird_D5X4163-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Orange-Crowned Warbler(Leiothlypis celata) |
Description: This warbler had no tail! I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 12:26 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: OrangeCrownedWarbler_D5X4227-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: Blackbirds loved the free food provided by the park’s seed feeders. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:28 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X3968-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: Blackbirds loved the free food provided by the park’s seed feeders. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:28 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X3977-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: Blackbirds loved the free food provided by the park’s seed feeders. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:29 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X3990-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: Blackbirds loved the free food provided by the park’s seed feeders. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 11:29 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X4005-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Ruby-Crowned Kinglet(Regulus calendula) |
Description: Always on the move through the canopy, kinglets are difficult subject to photograph. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:02 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: RubyCrownedKinglet_D5X4281-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snowy Egret(Egretta thula) |
Description: Most of the waders I met at Ibis Lake were Snowy Egrets. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:53 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: SnowyEgret_D5X4365-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Spotted Sandpiper(Actitis macularius) |
Description: A few Spotted Sandpipers worked the margins of Ibis Pond during my visit. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:10 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: SpottedSandpiper_D5X4475-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Tropical Leafwing(Anaea aidea) |
Description: Butterfly photography is not my specialty, but I could not resist the temptation to capture a few images of them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 13:29 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: TropicalLeafwingButterfly_D5X4325-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Vermilion Flycatcher(Pyrocephalus rubinus) |
Description: This male Vermilion Flycatcher put on a show for me near Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:04 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: VermilionFlycatcher_D5X4436-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Vermilion Flycatcher(Pyrocephalus rubinus) |
Description: This male Vermilion Flycatcher put on a show for me near Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:04 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: VermilionFlycatcher_D5X4437-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Vermilion Flycatcher(Pyrocephalus rubinus) |
Description: This male Vermilion Flycatcher put on a show for me near Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:04 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: VermilionFlycatcher_D5X4442-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Vermilion Flycatcher(Pyrocephalus rubinus) |
Description: This male Vermilion Flycatcher put on a show for me near Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:04 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: VermilionFlycatcher_D5X4447-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Vermilion Flycatcher(Pyrocephalus rubinus) |
Description: This male Vermilion Flycatcher put on a show for me near Ibis Pond. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 14:04 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: VermilionFlycatcher_D5X4452-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


White-Tipped Dove(Leptotila verreauxi) |
Description: White-Tipped Doves skulked the understory throughout the park, but would come into view wherever there were seed feeders. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:34 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/400 |
File Name: WhiteTippedDove_D509573-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Yellow-Rumped Warbler(Setophaga coronata coronata) |
Description: I’m not used to seeing warblers at seed feeders, but today I learned they will sometimes visit them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:23 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/500 |
File Name: YellowRumpedWarbler_D509453-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Yellow-Rumped Warbler(Setophaga coronata coronata) |
Description: I’m not used to seeing warblers at seed feeders, but today I learned they will sometimes visit them. I spent Friday exploring a jewel of birding in south Texas; Estero Llano Grande State Park. I couldn’t visit this place last spring because of the pandemic. It is a wonderful place to meet birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:01:22 10:26 |
Location:
Estero Llano Grande State Park |
Camera Information: NIKON D500, 400 mm, f/8.0, 1/640 |
File Name: YellowRumpedWarbler_D509535-EsteroLlano |
© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |

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