Memories Of The National Butterfly Center

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29 Photos

White-Winged Dove - Zenaida asiatica — **White-Winged Dove**
*(Zenaida asiatica)*

**Description:**
White-Winged Doves are a favorite of mine. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
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**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:10

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** WhiteWingedDove_D5X1923-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Pin It — **White-Winged Dove**
*(Zenaida asiatica)*

**Description:**
White-Winged Doves are a favorite of mine. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:10

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** WhiteWingedDove_D5X1923-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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White-Fronted Parrot - Amazona albifrons — **White-Fronted Parrot**
*(Amazona albifrons)*

**Description:**
We could not count this non-native bird, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy its visit. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 8:19

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** WhiteFrontedParrot_D5X1254-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris — **Ruby-Throated Hummingbird**
*(Archilochus colubris)*

**Description:**
There were feeders hanging in many places around the grounds, but sometimes a real flower is just the ticket. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 10:27

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** RubyThroatedHummingbird_D5X1451-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Plain Chachalaca - Ortalis vetula — **Plain Chachalaca**
*(Ortalis vetula)*

**Description:**
Chachalacas were so used to people here, they would almost walk over your feet if you remained still. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:31

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** PlainChachalaca_D5X1612-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Long-Billed Thrasher - Toxostoma longirostre — **Long-Billed Thrasher**
*(Toxostoma longirostre)*

**Description:**
Three thrasher species live in south Texas; mockingbirds, this bird and the Curve-Billed Thrasher. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:04

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** LongBilledThrasher_D5X1870-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Hispid Cotton Rat - Sigmodon hispidus — **Hispid Cotton Rat**
*(Sigmodon hispidus)*

**Description:**
Cotton Rats are a common prey item for predatory birds. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:18

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** HispidCottonRat_D5X1965-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Green Jay - Cyanocorax yncas — **Green Jay**
*(Cyanocorax yncas)*

**Description:**
Green Jays are always an interesting study. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:00

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** GreenJay_D5X1824-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Great-Tailed Grackle - Quiscalus mexicanus — **Great-Tailed Grackle**
*(Quiscalus mexicanus)*

**Description:**
Never a shy bird, this female birds gave me “the eye”. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:45

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** GreatTailedGrackle_D5X1728-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Eastern Fox Squirrel - Sciurus niger — **Eastern Fox Squirrel**
*(Sciurus niger)*

**Description:**
It wasn’t a part of our target species for the contest, but I couldn't resist capturing it as it quenched its thirst. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:08

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** EasternFoxSquirrel_D5X1912-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Golden-Fronted Woodpecker - Melanerpes aurifrons — **Golden-Fronted Woodpecker**
*(Melanerpes aurifrons)*

**Description:**
South Texas has but two resident woodpeckers; this bird and the Ladder-Backed Woodpecker. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 17:39

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** GoldenFrontedWoodpecker_D5X1699-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Great Kiskadee - Pitangus sulphuratus — **Great Kiskadee**
*(Pitangus sulphuratus)*

**Description:**
These very vocal birds could be heard all day. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 18:02

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** GreatKiskadee_D5X1840-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Altamira Oriole - Icterus gularis — **Altamira Oriole**
*(Icterus gularis)*

**Description:**
Altamira Orioles were weaving a nest overhead from our observation circle. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:04:25 8:30

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
121.40 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** AltamiraOriole_D5X1300-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Lincoln's Sparrow - Melospiza lincolnii — **Lincoln's Sparrow**
*(Melospiza lincolnii)*

**Description:**
Sparrows, such as this Lincoln’s lurked in the brush and undergrowth on the property. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 10:34

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** LincolnsSparrow-D5X5402-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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White-Tailed Hawk - Geranoaetus albicaudatus — **White-Tailed Hawk**
*(Geranoaetus albicaudatus)*

**Description:**
The National Butterfly Center has a wetlands property along the Rio Grande, and I found this juvenile hawk as I was leaving. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 14:11

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** WhiteTailedHawk-Juvenile_D5X6528-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis — **Northern Cardinal**
*(Cardinalis cardinalis)*

**Description:**
Cardinals abound in south Texas, and this place was no exception. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 12:46

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** NorthernCardinal_D5X6354-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Hooded Oriole - Icterus cucullatus — **Hooded Oriole**
*(Icterus cucullatus)*

**Description:**
Hooded Orioles aren’t known to spend winters in Texas. This young lady may have been lost. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 10:42

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** HoodedOriole_D5X5462-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Orange-Crowned Warbler - Leiothlypis celata — **Orange-Crowned Warbler**
*(Leiothlypis celata)*

**Description:**
Orange-Crowned and Yellow-Rumps were the only warblers I met here. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 10:07

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** OrangeCrownedWarbler_D5X5388-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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White Checkered-Skipper - Pyrgus albescens — **White Checkered-Skipper**
*(Pyrgus albescens)*

**Description:**
Presence of these and other small butterflies, following a recent deep-freeze, proved how resilient nature can be. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 11:18

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** WhiteCheckeredSkipper-Butterfly_D5X5624-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Black-Headed Grosbeak - Pheucticus melanocephalus — **Black-Headed Grosbeak**
*(Pheucticus melanocephalus)*

**Description:**
This winter visitor to south Texas survived the recent cold weather, partially because of the kindness of the staff who provided food here. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 12:45

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** BlackHeadedGrosbeak_D5X6350-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Audubon's Oriole - Icterus graduacauda — **Audubon's Oriole**
*(Icterus graduacauda)*

**Description:**
These resident orioles appreciated the food offerings the staff provided. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:02:25 12:21

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
127.96 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** AudubonsOriole_D5X5884-NationalButterflyCenter

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Wood Stork - Mycteria americana — **Wood Stork**
*(Mycteria americana)*

**Description:**
The birding highlight of my visit was a flyover by four Wood Storks. Before leaving the Lower Rio Grande Valley and travelling west, I stopped at the National Butterfly Center in Mission to see friends there.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2021:05:09 18:51

**Location:**

National Butterfly Center
Mission, Texas
United States
124.68 ft above sea level

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

**File Name:** WoodStork_D5X8073_NationalButterflyCtr

© 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

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Click map markers to reveal further information

White-Winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

White-Winged Doves are a favorite of mine. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

White-Fronted Parrot

Amazona albifrons

We could not count this non-native bird, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy its visit. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

There were feeders hanging in many places around the grounds, but sometimes a real flower is just the ticket. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Plain Chachalaca

Ortalis vetula

Chachalacas were so used to people here, they would almost walk over your feet if you remained still. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Long-Billed Thrasher

Toxostoma longirostre

Three thrasher species live in south Texas; mockingbirds, this bird and the Curve-Billed Thrasher. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Long-Billed Thrasher

Toxostoma longirostre

Hispid Cotton Rat

Sigmodon hispidus

Cotton Rats are a common prey item for predatory birds. The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Green Jay

Cyanocorax yncas

Green Jays are always an interesting study. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Great-Tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

Never a shy bird, this female birds gave me “the eye”. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Eastern Fox Squirrel

Sciurus niger

It wasn’t a part of our target species for the contest, but I couldn't resist capturing it as it quenched its thirst. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

South Texas has but two resident woodpeckers; this bird and the Ladder-Backed Woodpecker. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Great Kiskadee

Pitangus sulphuratus

These very vocal birds could be heard all day. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis

Altamira Orioles were weaving a nest overhead from our observation circle. As part of The Great Texas Birding Classic, The National Butterfly Center held a “Big Sit” event on Sunday. They invited me to join the team, and in between shifts, I walked the grounds in search of photo opportunities.

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

Sparrows, such as this Lincoln’s lurked in the brush and undergrowth on the property. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

White-Tailed Hawk

Geranoaetus albicaudatus

The National Butterfly Center has a wetlands property along the Rio Grande, and I found this juvenile hawk as I was leaving. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Cardinals abound in south Texas, and this place was no exception. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

Woodpeckers seemed to enjoy the fare at the feeding station here. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Green Jay

Cyanocorax yncas

Green Jays visiting the feeding station in waves were always entertaining. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

Hooded Orioles aren’t known to spend winters in Texas. This young lady may have been lost. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Orange-Crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

Orange-Crowned and Yellow-Rumps were the only warblers I met here. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

White Checkered-Skipper

Pyrgus albescens

Presence of these and other small butterflies, following a recent deep-freeze, proved how resilient nature can be. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Black-Headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

This winter visitor to south Texas survived the recent cold weather, partially because of the kindness of the staff who provided food here. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Black-Headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

Audubon's Oriole

Icterus graduacauda

These resident orioles appreciated the food offerings the staff provided. For my last expedition while camped in Palmview (Texas), I drove two miles to explore the National Butterfly Center near Mission. I found it was a lovely place to meet birds and some like-minded nature lovers.

Audubon's Oriole

Icterus graduacauda

Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis

Altamira Oriole

Icterus gularis

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

The birding highlight of my visit was a flyover by four Wood Storks. Before leaving the Lower Rio Grande Valley and travelling west, I stopped at the National Butterfly Center in Mission to see friends there.