Summer may be officially over but it’s still hot and humid in south Texas. Nevertheless, just as we humans cope with the hot weather, so do the birds and they can’t stop foraging for food.
This Black-bellied Whistling Duck tried to stay cool by shaking itself in the water.
At least some birds need to dive into the cool water if they want to eat.
Caspian Terns make frequent dives into the waters of the lagoon.
However, it seems like most birds in the marsh pick small fish, crabs, and other small animals out of the water and mud. Shorebirds spend a lot of time probing into the soft ground.
The Willet is a common species in south Texas.
Short-billed Dowitchers search for food by using their long bills to probe the mud with sewing machine-like movements.
Marbled Godwits have long, slightly up-turned bills that help them probe deep into the mud for sea worms.
True to its name, the Long-billed Curlew has an even longer bill than godwits and dowitchers!
Herons and egrets are the definition of patience as they stalk the shallows for prey.
A Tricolored Heron gets ready to make a lunge for a fish.
The Great Egret is a common species in wetland habitats of South Texas.
The Least Bittern is our smallest heron species.
The marshes of South Texas are also an excellent place to see Clapper Rails in action!
A Clapper Rail catches dinner.
When not taking pictures of birds, there are plenty of beautiful butterflies to watch.
A beautiful Bordered Patch butterfly.
Swallowtails are a common sight in Texas and many other parts of the country.