[texbirds] Anahuac & points south of Baytown Jan. 10

From: Carolyn Dill <carolyn_dill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Texbirds \(texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx\)" <texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:50:58 -0800

I went here to Anahuac NWR hoping to find Say's Phoebe, Cinnamon Teal and 
Purple Gallinule. Struck out on all three. Even the Vermillion Flycatcher by 
the visitor center wasn't around today. But I had an amazing rail day--King, 
Virginia and Sora. Perhaps they like these cloudy days. First two passes around 
the auto loop didn't have the same birds as the third, when white fronted geese 
settled in and a flock of Canvasbacks arrived. Saw about four or five immature 
Bald Eagles.
There were a few immature pelicans that I think are dying, barely flying and I 
found one dead. It has been happening up and down the coast to have dead 
pelicans possibly due to not finding food. The fish are lurking deeper during 
cold spells.  Last week found five dead at Texas City Dike when none were dead 
there during Christmas week. 

About a half dozen tree swallows at mid day. At this time, the common 
yellowthroats all decided to come out. Also got Marsh Wren. Biggest surprise 
was a Northern Parula in the reeds. This is the earliest I've ever seen Parula 
anywhere.

The bay had about 500, at least, Red breasted Mergansers with a flock of 
Bonaparte's Gulls. A few Buffleheads, too.

Also went to Cedar Road south of Baytown for the Western Grebe about 7:30 AM 
and it was quite close, easy with binoculars. It likes to preen near a white 
floatee or buoy. At a small pond on the way to Thompson's Bait Camp, a Hooded 
Merganser seen. Gulls were all far out or just of the normal variety. No 
rarities seen. I had a possible Thayer's last week. Ash Lake was practically 
empty of gulls.

Carolyn Dill
Houston


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[texbirds] Anahuac & points south of Baytown Jan. 10

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