2021-04-27 SPI and Tuesday’s Babies

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American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla — **American Redstart**
*(Setophaga ruticilla)*

**Description:**
Even in bad light, this female redstart looked good! Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
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**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 13:12

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000

**File Name:** AmericanRedstart_D5X2565_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pin It — **American Redstart**
*(Setophaga ruticilla)*

**Description:**
Even in bad light, this female redstart looked good! Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 13:12

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000

**File Name:** AmericanRedstart_D5X2565_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Black Skimmer - Rynchops niger — **Black Skimmer**
*(Rynchops niger)*

**Description:**
A gang of Black Skimmers sailed in late in the day to bathe in the freshwater. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 15:54

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** BlackSkimmer_D5X2652_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia — **Caspian Tern**
*(Hydroprogne caspia)*

**Description:**
Even bigger than their cousin Black Skimmers, Caspian Terns also patrol the marsh. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
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**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 16:08

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000

**File Name:** CaspianTern_D5X2859_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Common Gallinule - Gallinula galeata — **Common Gallinule**
*(Gallinula galeata)*

**Description:**
Common Gallinule on the marsh were raising families. Their young look much like coot chicks. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 17:03

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000

**File Name:** CommonGallinule_D5X3028_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias — **Great Blue Heron**
*(Ardea herodias)*

**Description:**
Great Blue Herons take on some pretty large fish when on the hunt. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
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**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 16:26

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000

**File Name:** GreatBlueHeron_D5X2946_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Green Heron - Butorides virescens — **Green Heron**
*(Butorides virescens)*

**Description:**
When I last visited the SPI Birding and Nature Center (2021-04-08), I saw Green Herons sitting on eggs. I wanted to return and see how the families were doing. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 10:36

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000

**File Name:** GreenHeron_D5X2235_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Least Sandpiper - Calidris minutilla — **Least Sandpiper**
*(Calidris minutilla)*

**Description:**
Least Sandpipers in the marsh fed next to the larger Pectoral Sandpipers, and even larger Lesser Yellowlegs. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 9:14

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** LeastSandpiper_D5X2171_SPI-ConventionCentre

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Lesser Yellowlegs - Tringa flavipes — **Lesser Yellowlegs**
*(Tringa flavipes)*

**Description:**
Lesser Yellowlegs have a long journey ahead to reach their breeding grounds. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 9:16

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** LesserYellowlegs_D5X2186_SPI-ConventionCentre

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea — **Little Blue Heron**
*(Egretta caerulea)*

**Description:**
Little Blue Herons are one of several elegant wader species on the Gulf Coast. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 15:52

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/3000

**File Name:** LittleBlueHeron_D5X2623_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Magnolia Warbler - Setophaga magnolia — **Magnolia Warbler**
*(Setophaga magnolia)*

**Description:**
I spent a few minutes at the Convention Centre before going next door and met this warbler. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 9:49

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** MagnoliaWarbler_D5X2207_SPI-ConventionCentre

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pectoral Sandpiper - Calidris melanotos — **Pectoral Sandpiper**
*(Calidris melanotos)*

**Description:**
Pectoral Sandpipers foraged in the marsh to fuel up before heading north to their breeding grounds in the high Arctic. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 9:13

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** PectoralSandpiper_D5X2117_SPI-ConventionCentre

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Red-Winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus — **Red-Winged Blackbird**
*(Agelaius phoeniceus)*

**Description:**
Blackbirds took advantage of the food and water intended for the travelling warblers. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 13:03

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** RedWingedBlackbird_D5X2557_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Scarlet Tanager - Piranga olivacea — **Scarlet Tanager**
*(Piranga olivacea)*

**Description:**
It always pleases me to meet Scarlet Tanagers. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 8:38

**Location:**

Convention Center
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
9.84 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/500

**File Name:** ScarletTanager_D5X2060_SPI-ConventionCentre

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Tricolored Heron - Egretta tricolor — **Tricolored Heron**
*(Egretta tricolor)*

**Description:**
Another elegant wader on the Gulf is the Tricolored Heron, an excellent fish catcher. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 11:00

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/3000

**File Name:** TricoloredHeron_D5X2298_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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White Ibis - Eudocimus albus — **White Ibis**
*(Eudocimus albus)*

**Description:**
Most of the White Ibis I met on the island were tawny juveniles. This breeding adult seemed out of place. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 11:23

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/6000

**File Name:** WhiteIbis_D5X2335_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Yellow-Headed Blackbird - Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus — **Yellow-Headed Blackbird**
*(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)*

**Description:**
Some of the Yellow-Headed Blackbirds I met will move on to the north to breed, but some will stick around for the summer. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:27 12:50

**Location:**

South Padre Island WBC
South Padre Island, Texas
United States
19.69 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/1500

**File Name:** YellowHeadedBlackbird_D5X2546_SPI-NatureCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Click map markers to reveal further information

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

Even in bad light, this female redstart looked good! Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

A gang of Black Skimmers sailed in late in the day to bathe in the freshwater. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

Even bigger than their cousin Black Skimmers, Caspian Terns also patrol the marsh. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

Common Gallinule on the marsh were raising families. Their young look much like coot chicks. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Herons take on some pretty large fish when on the hunt. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

When I last visited the SPI Birding and Nature Center (2021-04-08), I saw Green Herons sitting on eggs. I wanted to return and see how the families were doing. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

Least Sandpipers in the marsh fed next to the larger Pectoral Sandpipers, and even larger Lesser Yellowlegs. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

Lesser Yellowlegs have a long journey ahead to reach their breeding grounds. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

Little Blue Herons are one of several elegant wader species on the Gulf Coast. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

I spent a few minutes at the Convention Centre before going next door and met this warbler. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

Pectoral Sandpipers foraged in the marsh to fuel up before heading north to their breeding grounds in the high Arctic. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

Blackbirds took advantage of the food and water intended for the travelling warblers. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

It always pleases me to meet Scarlet Tanagers. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

Another elegant wader on the Gulf is the Tricolored Heron, an excellent fish catcher. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

Most of the White Ibis I met on the island were tawny juveniles. This breeding adult seemed out of place. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Some of the Yellow-Headed Blackbirds I met will move on to the north to breed, but some will stick around for the summer. Having finished with the Great Texas Birding Classic on Sunday, I was eager to return to South Padre Island, where I knew Green Herons were raising families at the Bird and Nature Center.