Centered in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg is McAllen’s nearest neighbor to the east, where the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands are located. In March 2003, this first of nine World Birding Centers was opened to the public. Built on reclaimed farm-fields and next to the city’s effluent & floodwater ponds, this site is a sanctuary for wildlife and native habitats protected within an urban setting. The trail system is short, just 2.5 miles, but it encompasses 40 acres. Most of the trails available for exploring are concentrated within a 3/4 acre patch nearest the visitor center. Contained in this small section is almost a mile of trails winding through native vegetation and water features, with interesting birds around every corner.
There are large water bodies on the reserve, but I found many of the interesting birds near the ponds and canals were either too far away to photograph well, or obscured by dense foliage. However, the feeding stations were well stocked and provided me with some of my most satisfying photo-ops. Inca Doves and Chachalacas were readily available to my camera here. I may have gone overboard taking pictures of them.
I only visited here once on 2021-02-06, and my stay lasted just three hours. By day’s end, I’d met and photographed the following species: Anhinga, Black-Crowned Night-Heron, Cattle Egret, Curve-Billed Thrasher, Great Egret, Inca Dove, Long-Billed Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Plain Chachalaca, Purple Martin, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, and Snowy Egret.
My limited time for exploring south Texas prevented me from revisiting this lovely location. I hope to return here one day soon and renew my acquaintance with this jewel and its occupants.
Anhinga(Anhinga anhinga) |
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Description: There were interesting birds, like this sunning Anhinga, at the far side of the large pond, and too distant for good photographs. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 13:12 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: Anhinga_D5X9215-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Black-Crowned Night-Heron(Nycticorax nycticorax) |
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Description: Night Herons were shy, and remained obscured, piercing in the thick foliage on the canal banks. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:18 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: BlackCrownedNightHeron_D5X9096-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Cattle Egret(Bubulcus ibis) |
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Description: There were interesting birds, like this Cattle Egret, at the far side of the large pond, and too distant for good photographs. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:42 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: CattleEgret_D5X9198-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Curve-Billed Thrasher(Toxostoma curvirostre) |
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Description: It was a two-thrasher day in Edinburg. I met both the Curve-Billed and Long-Billed Thrashers. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:42 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/1000 |
File Name: CurveBilledThrasher_D5X9815-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Great Egret(Ardea alba) |
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Description: Snowy and Great Egrets were the only waders working the near shore of the large pond on the reserve. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:41 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: GreatEgret_D5X9176-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Inca Dove(Columbina inca) |
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Description: Inca Doves had eluded me this winter in south Texas, but I enjoyed their company in Edinburg. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to visit a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 13:53 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: IncaDove_D5X9404-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Inca Dove(Columbina inca) |
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Description: Inca Doves had eluded me this winter in south Texas, but I enjoyed their company in Edinburg. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to visit a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:06 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: IncaDove_D5X9543-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Inca Dove(Columbina inca) |
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Description: Inca Doves had eluded me this winter in south Texas, but I enjoyed their company in Edinburg. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to visit a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:07 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: IncaDove_D5X9573-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Inca Dove(Columbina inca) |
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Description: Inca Doves had eluded me this winter in south Texas, but I enjoyed their company in Edinburg. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to visit a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:09 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: IncaDove_D5X9605-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Inca Dove(Columbina inca) |
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Description: Inca Doves had eluded me this winter in south Texas, but I enjoyed their company in Edinburg. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to visit a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:11 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: IncaDove_D5X9624-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Inca Dove(Columbina inca) |
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Description: Inca Doves had eluded me this winter in south Texas, but I enjoyed their company in Edinburg. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to visit a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:13 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: IncaDove_D5X9669-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Long-Billed Thrasher(Toxostoma longirostre) |
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Description: It was a two-thrasher day in Edinburg. I met both the Curve-Billed and Long-Billed Thrashers. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:31 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: LongBilledThrasher_D5X9118-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Northern Cardinal(Cardinalis cardinalis) |
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Description: Cardinals sang and played throughout the reserve during my visit. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:39 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: NorthernCardinal_D5X9142-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Northern Cardinal(Cardinalis cardinalis) |
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Description: Cardinals sang and played throughout the reserve during my visit. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:39 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: NorthernCardinal_D5X9150-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Northern Cardinal(Cardinalis cardinalis) |
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Description: Cardinals sang and played throughout the reserve during my visit. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:40 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: NorthernCardinal_D5X9165-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Northern Mockingbird(Mimus polyglottos) |
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Description: Wherever you visit in Texas, you can count on Mockingbirds being nearby. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:45 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: NorthernMockingbird_D5X9213-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Orange-Crowned Warbler(Leiothlypis celata) |
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Description: Winter in south Texas is a great time to meet Orange-Crowned Warblers. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:34 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: OrangeCrownedWarbler_D5X9127-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:03 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/125 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9033-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:06 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/125 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9079-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:06 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9536-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:19 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/250 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9728-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:20 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9744-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:22 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9766-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Plain Chachalaca(Ortalis vetula) |
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Description: I’d been catching glimpses of Chachalacas on visits to other birding venues this winter, but at Edinburg they were more cooperative. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:31 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/125 |
File Name: PlainChachalaca_D5X9796-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Purple Martin(Progne subis) |
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Description: I’d not seen Purple Martins this winter in south Texas until I came to Edinburg. These were the early-birds of the species. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 13:36 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: PurpleMartin_D5X9368-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet(Regulus calendula) |
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Description: The kinglets I met in Edinburg were difficult to capture, but I got lucky with this one. These were the early-birds of the species. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 14:45 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/500 |
File Name: RubyCrownedKinglet_D5X9828-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Snowy Egret(Egretta thula) |
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Description: Snowy and Great Egrets were the only waders working the near shore of the large pond on the reserve. I had an errand to run in McAllen Texas on Saturday and took the opportunity to meet a new birding location in the area, called the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. What a lovely place! |
Date Taken: 2021:02:06 12:43 |
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Location:
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/11.0, 1/800 |
File Name: SnowyEgret_D5X9207-Edinburg |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
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