2022-09-08 on the Island

Thursday and Friday I split my time between the SPI Birding and Nature Center, and the SPI Convention Centre. But it was my long day at the Convention Centre Thursday that proved to be the most eventful. The mornings each began at the Sheepshead Sanctuary, where I met my friend Mary. We left there after … Read more

2022-09-03 Saturday at the SPIBNC

I spent the day soloing at the SPI Birding and Nature Center (BNC), and had a lovely time with the birds, and with the people there with me, enjoying the same. Javi Gonzalez is the resident biologist, or naturalist here and is always a joy to hang out with. The first bird that greeted me … Read more

2022-09-01 SPI Day One

I met my friend Mary after breakfast at the SPI Convention Centre, after I first stopped by the Sheepshead Bird Sanctuary owned by the Valley Land Trust. As I was pulling into the Convention Centre parking lot, Mary was headed away, having already scouted the grounds. She pronounced the place as “dead”, but joined me … Read more

2021 Texas Exodus

The trip home: 2021-05-09 Day 1, Port Isabel to National Butterfly Center 2021-05-10 Day 2, NBC to Rio Grande City 2021-05-11 Day 3, Rio Grande City to Uvalde 2021-05-12 Day 4, Uvalde to Sanderson 2021-05-13 Day 5, Sanderson to El Paso 2021-05-14 Day 6, El Paso to Marana, AZ 2021-05-15 Day 7, Marana to Home … Read more

2021-02-08 South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center

South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center is part of a network of birding meccas in south Texas, collectively called the “World Birding Center”. It sits next door to the Convention Centre, which I love, and so I’ve not bothered to pay my fees to enter its grounds. On Monday, with my time in Brownsville … Read more

2021-01-19 A Day on South Padre Island

A visit to the Lower Rio Grande Valley without spending time on South Padre Island would be silly. Tuesday I paid the island my respects. It came as no surprise the variety of birds in winter did not compare to a spring visit. Still, there was enough variety to keep me busy most of the … Read more