FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Wood Thrush straggler and Corpus Christi, TX birding trip highlights

[Leigh Loveday <lkloveday@xxxxxxxxx>]

A Wood Thrush was spotted foraging with the Robins in our North
Knox County backyard this past Sunday.  We had Wood Thrushes in
the yard back in early October with the Swainson?s, but this
seems to be awfully late to be seeing one.  We both had clear
looks, no rusty colored tail to indicate a Hermit?s, but larger
with very prominent spots and a rusty head. 

During these winter doldrums, we thought we would share a few
birding experiences we had at Corpus Christi, Texas over the
holidays for those possibly interested in birding this wonderful
area:  

At Hans Sutter Park, we saw 2 dozen Roseate Spoonbills ! (30 and
60 yards out, not specks off in the distance).  A low flying
Crested Caracara was dive-bombed by a Peregrine Falcon, who then
perched nearby to patrol the area (the birds scattered wildly
when the falcon flew to the other side of the bay). 115
Black-necked Stilts lined-up 2 rows deep to combat high winds
while waiting for the rising tide.  At least 20 Little Blue
Herons, American Avocets, 7 Long-billed Curlews, and Dunlins
were some additional highlights.  

A White-tailed Hawk was seen just 50 ft. away.while driving to
Padre Island National Seashore. It was perched on a fence post,
and we could even see the reddish orange patch on the wing. 
After about 10 min. of viewing the hawk got bored with us, and
flew off while giving us the privilege of fanning it?s beautiful
white tail with black edging.

At Port Aransas Birding Center, a Snowy Egret hopped up on the
boardwalk handrail ledge just 10 ft. away, and led us to the
action there.  Cinnamon Teals, Tri-color Herons,  Roseate
Spoonbills, Neotropic Comorants,  Common Moorhen, & a huge
alligator were just some of neat things seen.

Indian Point Park produced a King Rail, close-up Roseate
Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, and Red breasted Mergansers.  Piping
Plovers were seen on the bay side.

Corpus Christi State Park was full of Road Runners, a Lark
Sparrow, a Great Kiskadee, and a Cattle Egret.  Pyrrhuloxia?s
were seen nearby as well.

Prior to Corpus at New Braunfels (near San Antonio) while
visiting relatives, we saw numerous Orange crowned warblers and
Black crested (Mexican) tufted titmice. The best find was a
Couch?s Kingbird ! (We saw it working near the Gaudalupe River
all 3 days we were there).  Many Crested Caracaras were seen on
the drive down to Corpus.

Misses on this trip were the Black bellied Whistling Ducks and
the Black Skimmers. Hopefully we will get ?em next time.

Robert and Leigh Loveday
Knoxville, TN


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