On the late afternoon of the 15th we had a yellow-eyed BTGR adult male in
sparkling fresh plumage in direct comparison with a male Great-tailed next
to it. It may well have been of the subspecies present further east on
the gulf coast (MS-FL). We had scope views of the animal and its bright
eyes. Petra Hockey said she also had one at Aransas NWR (?) as well and
got photos I think (?) The occurrence of these two possibilities may be
of scattering birds in response to hurricane Mitchell,...Just a guess.
At Magic Ridge we had dark ibis streaming south along the bay shore. I did
not try to get an accurate count but estimate at least 600 or so. all seen
were heading south, I saw none heading north. Petra or the others may have
a more accurate estimate of birds.
-- Brush Freeman
<http://www.biospatialsevices.com>
Utley & Cedar Park, Texas
