We installed signs last spring on a restricted area and was very surprised that they were still there when we returned in November. They were still standing when we left for Thanksgiving break but upon our return this week they had been taken out and thrown into the mangroves! We found them, got some new posts and replaced them...
the signs are missing as I clean up the trash
Beautiful day for the beach!
Eric did go all the way in for a swim. we usually don't get too many non windy, warm, sunny days on the beach. Today was pretty good.
I am not much of a swimmer! I did get my feet wet!
Our volunteer field trip was on Monday Nov 9, to Salineno, about a 3 hour ride from the refuge. This area is run by Fish and Wildlife volunteers, who feed the birds and care for the property. The Wall is suppose to cut off the area next year so there will be no access to the property. We had a great day, although long time in the bus, lunch in Roma. No new birds were seen but we had a very warm, sunny day to spend outside.
Tuesday Dec 10 we went with MaryBeth A. (one of our volunteers) to Mexico. We did a bit of birding before the rain and cold front came in and chased us back into the truck. Mexico was pretty quiet, lunch at Chuy's was great.
Our weather has been near perfect. We have had a few cold fronts come all the way down here which made for cold winds but they only lasted for a day or two. Work has been pretty uneventful. We are not seeing as much trash or trespassers Yet. December can be a slow month for visitors as the Holiday season takes a lot of time.
Dec 15, why are we here??
Wisconsin is 8 deg
While here in South Texas it is 91
Hidalgo has their Christmas lights and decorations up and ready to view
We found this Snake in the grass at Santa Ana WLR! About a five foot Texas Indigo snake
Green Jay taking a bath
Wednesday the weather turned a bit cooler... Sal de Rey, looks and crunches like snow but it is dried salt. It was a cold and windy day
Dec 19: Our Christmas dinner with the refuge staff, friends and volunteers was great. The hostess made Lasagna and we all brought a side dish. Met some new people and reconnected with people we met last year.
So we are driving down a refuge road going pretty slow. There were about 10 Bobwhites in the road, as we approached very slowly they did not move, Eric drove a bit closer they moved about 2 feet, this went on for about 5 minutes, we would move forward they would move forward but stay on the road. Finally I got out of the truck and walked up to them, they ignored me! I got a step closer, clapped my hands and then they flew off! Normally they fly as soon as we get within 15-20 feet of them, not sure what they were finding to eat but it was more important than their lives...
Christmas Bird Count for Santa Ana was on Saturday Dec 21 a rainy day. We only got 43 species but not too bad for our area.
Mandarin Duck was a new one for us...
We were at 9 different local parks in McAllen
A beautiful decorated tree at one of the parks.
Christmas weekend on the Island this year. Well actually Sun thru Wed, our weekend. The weather turned out to be beautiful, sunny, warm (mid 60's) and little wind. This will be our last Christmas here for awhile as next year we go West.. We have spent 5 of the last 10 years on the island so it seems like home for the holidays.
On Monday we took a two hour Dolphin/Eco tour to the Brownsville channel. the winds were light so no chop on the water. Beautiful day for a cruise.
this shrimp boat will be out for 30 days, returning with 16,000 lbs of shrimp!!
Sunset
Sunrise
Christmas Eve was perfect! We went to see the Sand Sculptures that were fabulous, some people are so creative and talented.
these were built on the beach
love the little snowmen!
more professional
such great detail
Santa's workshop
One in front of our hotel
Seen this guy walking the main road
Our nest for the day
It was pretty quite when we got there but by mid afternoon it was a bit crowded.
too much sun for somebody! I had to get a nap before dinner.
the Courtyard by Marriott just opened next door to our hotel last week. They have a special of $5 burgers on Tuesday. We had to check it out. The place was beautiful, the burgers were great and we can walk from our hotel.
Merry Christmas.....A great day to be outside enjoying nature. Went back to our RV and had a delightful gathering of the volunteers.
Lunch time on the beach this Christmas day...
Last work days of the season. pretty uneventful, warm and windy.
Javalinas running across the road..
Rattlesnake in the road! Eric almost stepped on it!
While on our Christmas Bird Count for the refuge we found 70 different species and some other animals
these are our first wild hogs we have seen down here! There were about 10 of them running across the road we were walking on...
New Year's Eve 2109
Met some of our volunteers at Bar Louie on the Island for $5 burgers then a fun New Years Eve gathering at our Outpost. home by 9:15!
What a year it has been. We had a great year visiting with friends and family, good health and a bit of traveling. Our bird count for the year: 422 bird species for this year in the ABA, (world count at 475) Our life count is up 16 birds ( 607) for the ABA and 59 (674) for the world.
We will see what 2020 has in store for us...
Happy New Year!
Happy 2020 friend..
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