Waves of spring migrants are moving through south Texas in large numbers but even before then, I was still getting in a lot of fun birding. Although the trees weren’t dripping with warblers, vireos, buntings, and thrushes, there were still plenty of interesting and colorful birds to look at.
While birding at Sabal Palm Grove, Laguna Atascosa, and South Padre Island, I was entertained by beautiful warblers such as the Black-throated Green and Hooded.
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Greens are fairly common migrants in southern Texas. They breed in mixed hardwood forests up north and in the east and seem to have a preference for Hemlocks.
Hooded Warbler
The striking Hooded Warbler is one of the more common warbler species of the southeast.
There are always lots of great resident species to watch too. Some were coming to a water drip including White-tipped Dove, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, and Back-crested Titmouse.
White-tipped Dove
South Texas is the only place where you can see White-tipped Dove in the USA.
Northern Cardinal bathing.
This Cardinal was busy taking a thorough bath!
Black-crested Titmouse
Red-winged Blackbird
Rabbits also come to water drips for nice, close shots.
Thirsty Rabbit
There were also plenty of great birds away from the water drip too.
Clay-colored Thrush
The Clay-colored Thrush has become a regular sight in southern Texas.
Green Jay
Colorful Green Jays are more common though along with the stunning Painted Bunting!
Painted Bunting
It’s always fun to see Long-billed Thrashers because you won’t find them anywhere else in the country.
Long-billed Thrasher
Same goes for Altamira Oriole.
Altamira Oriole
Hooded Oriole also occurs.
Hooded Oriole
Of course, wetland areas also always feature a bunch of fine bird to look at.
Roseate Spoonbill
The Roseate Spoonbill is a true stunner!
With migration in high gear, expect images of beautiful breeding plumaged migrants in the near future!