Hamhed
Well-known member
This belated report is in the hopes that some miracle allows those planning to visit the LRGV (Lower Rio Grande Valley) this spring can find some value in our only western US birding trip of 2020. Our time frame was chosen before COVID was even identified. We stuck to the schedule despite increasing word about the seriousness of the situation. In retrospect, the timing was at our own limits of acceptable risk and we feel fortunate to have returned safely.
A half dozen target birds determined the timing. Early enough in the year for wintering birds yet late enough in the season to find early breeding species. We used eBird extensively to pick our locations with the highest potential. The LRGV is famous for rare wandering species but the season for that seems to be November through February. Indeed, we missed a Fork-tailed Flycatcher that disappeared a week before we arrived.
MARCH 4-5
A late arrival in McAllen, we spent the night of March 4 in a nearby motel before picking up our Budget rental and heading for a reported Tropical Parula which turned out to have also left several days previous. This was a private yard that hosted some fun western species like Great KIskadees, Black-crested Titmouse, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Hooded Oriole, Clay-colored Thrush and a few more. No Parula though and we pushed on to Anzalduas, a county park just a few miles away on the Rio Grande river. An open field used frequently by model airplane enthusiasts was also one of the best locations for wintering Sprague’s Pipit. Parking and walking through oaks and past an elbow in the river, we noticed a Vermilion Flycatcher, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The water held one Little Blue Heron, an Osprey, a few Blue-winged Teal and American Coots.
Meadowlarks sprinkled the field but as we searched through the short grass with our 50MM Opticron travel scope, we found our Pipits, stalking closer to them to get a certain i.d. and a few photos.
Driving westward on Rt. 83, we turned north through the town of Rio Grande City and 5 miles on a rough gravel road to the desert location of Rancho Lomitas, (https://rancholomitas.com). In hindsight, our two night stay here was much too short. The rooms were very nicely done, the activity at the feeders was steady and interesting and our hosts, Benito and Toni Trevino were accommodating and ever helpful. There is a planned restaurant that will make leaving even more difficult. A tour through the native plant nursery was very enjoyable. Benito was especially proud of his propagation of the endangered Zapata Bladderpod.
We based ourselves here to visit the Salineno area, a 45 minute drive further west. That afternoon and evening, we enjoyed the parade of birds coming to fruit, seed, water and marshmallows! Seven Scaled Quail marched right past our feet but were a little flighty. Other feeder visitors were Inca Doves, Green Jays, Black-throated Sparrows, Northern Cardinals (I’m always a little surprised to see them out west as if we easterners have a monopoly on them) and one Audubon’s Oriole. An Orange-crowned Warbler took turns with an Altamira Oriole and a Cactus Wren for the previously mentioned marshmallow. A short walk away from the feeders on their extensive property gave us a Greater Roadrunner, Curve-billed Thrasher, Pyrrhuloxia, Purple Martins and a Harris Hawk.
A half dozen target birds determined the timing. Early enough in the year for wintering birds yet late enough in the season to find early breeding species. We used eBird extensively to pick our locations with the highest potential. The LRGV is famous for rare wandering species but the season for that seems to be November through February. Indeed, we missed a Fork-tailed Flycatcher that disappeared a week before we arrived.
MARCH 4-5
A late arrival in McAllen, we spent the night of March 4 in a nearby motel before picking up our Budget rental and heading for a reported Tropical Parula which turned out to have also left several days previous. This was a private yard that hosted some fun western species like Great KIskadees, Black-crested Titmouse, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Hooded Oriole, Clay-colored Thrush and a few more. No Parula though and we pushed on to Anzalduas, a county park just a few miles away on the Rio Grande river. An open field used frequently by model airplane enthusiasts was also one of the best locations for wintering Sprague’s Pipit. Parking and walking through oaks and past an elbow in the river, we noticed a Vermilion Flycatcher, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The water held one Little Blue Heron, an Osprey, a few Blue-winged Teal and American Coots.
Meadowlarks sprinkled the field but as we searched through the short grass with our 50MM Opticron travel scope, we found our Pipits, stalking closer to them to get a certain i.d. and a few photos.
Driving westward on Rt. 83, we turned north through the town of Rio Grande City and 5 miles on a rough gravel road to the desert location of Rancho Lomitas, (https://rancholomitas.com). In hindsight, our two night stay here was much too short. The rooms were very nicely done, the activity at the feeders was steady and interesting and our hosts, Benito and Toni Trevino were accommodating and ever helpful. There is a planned restaurant that will make leaving even more difficult. A tour through the native plant nursery was very enjoyable. Benito was especially proud of his propagation of the endangered Zapata Bladderpod.
We based ourselves here to visit the Salineno area, a 45 minute drive further west. That afternoon and evening, we enjoyed the parade of birds coming to fruit, seed, water and marshmallows! Seven Scaled Quail marched right past our feet but were a little flighty. Other feeder visitors were Inca Doves, Green Jays, Black-throated Sparrows, Northern Cardinals (I’m always a little surprised to see them out west as if we easterners have a monopoly on them) and one Audubon’s Oriole. An Orange-crowned Warbler took turns with an Altamira Oriole and a Cactus Wren for the previously mentioned marshmallow. A short walk away from the feeders on their extensive property gave us a Greater Roadrunner, Curve-billed Thrasher, Pyrrhuloxia, Purple Martins and a Harris Hawk.