Birding the Texas Coast with the Fieldings
and
Carolyne's Birthday
March 2002
Our primary destination was Rockport, Texas about 150 miles southwest of Houston. Ira was intent on seeing the Whooping Cranes. We also visited Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Aransas Pass and spent time at the beach house at Treasure Island where we celebrated Carolyne's birthday. We did see many birds, but the weather didn't cooperate as we would have liked. Also, I must admit that I focused on video taping which left my still photos wanting. I hope you enjoy these.
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Before
leaving the house I took these pictures. Cedar Waxwings on the left,
which visiti us in the winter, and a Morning Dove which is a resident.
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Ira hugging Freddie goodbye. and Essential trip supplies. |
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Our first stop was Aransas Natl. Wildlife Refuge where I immediately knocked over a road sign positioning for a photo. Park entrance. |
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We
had a picnic in the park and saw birds at a distance and got closer
to other animals.
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Alagator and Whitetail Deer. |
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Peccary
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We hiked along the bay and observed various birds from the observation tower. Patty & Ira. |
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After
our hike & bird watching we checked into our cottage in Rockport.
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The
office at The Lodge on Pelican Bay and our cottage.
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The
lodge had a gazebo and a lighted pier where we could relax in the evenings.
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Patty & Ira and Carolyne on the pier. |
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The
next morning we boarded the tour boat which took us to see the Whooping
Cranes.
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On
the boat Carolyne & Patty dutifully noted the birds pointed out
by our naturalist guide, left in the photo to the right.
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Whooping
Cranes with juvenile feeding and flying.
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We
ate at Charlotte Plummer's twice simply because the seafood was great!
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Between
Charlotte Plummer's and our cottage was a great place to take photos
of Pelicans and other birds. I'll double up so I don't bore you too
much.
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White Pelicans One Laughing Gull leaving the party |
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White Pelicans and one Brown Pelican. Blue Heron on the right. |
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Laughing Gulls, immature in foreground. Brown Pelican in flight. |
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We didn't
do such a bad job cooking ourselves. Below, Patty and I prepared a delicious
dish with fresh shrimp.
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