[skywatcher]

Just returned from a week in the High Island area. Well, the birds are definitely there! Fantastic warblers in good numbers. Boy Scout Woods and Smiths Oaks are still bringing 'em in. Sabine Woods was particularly good last week and we went there three or four times. Anuahac is quiet but Bolivar peninsular is certainly worth a visit for shorebirds.

The visit to Bolivar peninsula , especially Crystal Beach was sobering. The destruction caused by Ike last September is awesome but the work and the will to re-create a community is moving. In the midst of a landscape that looks like a war zone, there is a magnificent restaurant called Coconuts, full of life , optimism and bright primary colours amidst the general grey of the area.

To anybody put off by the effects of Ike, I'd say go there.The birds are not put off, neither should we be. Our money spent here may contribute something to the re-construction.

Skywatcher.

[lulubelle]

I was supposed to go to the coast thislast weekend and di not. I now completely regret not being able to go! They have been seeing record numbers of warblers- like 31 species in a day's time. Not to mention the Black-whiskered Vireo! There is much destruction still to be worked through, but the birds are showing up in numbers that I really don't think anyone quite expected. They have also gotten some good storms coming through that while a bit late, are still going to help flush the salt out of the soil and may enable much of the vegetation & trees survive. If you can get to High Island - go! Corpus Christi has also putting on a good showing!