[texbirds] Delta Lake (04/22/13): Hudsonian Godwits not found but many other good things

  • From: "Rex Stanford" <calidris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "TEXBIRDS" <texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:06:43 -0500

This morning (04/22/13) my wife, Birgit, and I birded mainly the portion of
Delta Lake (Hidalgo Co.) that lies west of FM-88, with an emphasis on
shorebirds, including an effort to see the two Hudsonian Godwits (HUGO, the
banders' abbreviation) that were seen yesterday. Despite over an hour of
careful study of the many shorebirds present and a thorough scope scan of
the shoreline, as well as of sandbars and shallows, we were unable to find
any HUGOs. A couple of other birders whom we encountered there also had
failed to find that species. Despite the apparent absence of that species
there this morning, birders may wish to keep in mind that this species has
been seen there more than once in earlier years and sometimes in larger
numbers than yesterday. Consequently, continued vigilance for the species
seems warranted as the shorebird migration builds in intensity.

Other shorebird species present at Delta Lake this morning provided plenty
to enjoy and from which to learn. Indeed, many of the individuals of the
shorebird species present there were transitioning into breeding plumage,
whereas some still bore largely winter dress. Because I am tired and need
some rest--we birded the entire day yesterday and came home quite late--I
will not try to recall, much list here, all the species--including even all
the shorebird species--we found at Delta Lake today. I would be remiss,
though, if I did not mention the numerous PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, for most of
them had considerable breeding plumage. The breeding-plumaged females showed
the lovely golden hue that makes them a visual standout and a joy to behold
for those who really would look at them. They bore a special elegance and,
happy to say, were so plentiful that they could be found over a wide area of
the near-shoreline on the road side of this west-side part of Delta Lake. We
also noticed a few males of that species, and they looked substantially
different than the females, for, to our eyes, they did not provide in
anything like the same intensity, the richly golden hue of the female top
side and breast, and the male breast was, instead, densely and heavily
marked with black, considerably, if not entirely devoid of color, but
striking and looking good for its prominent role on the breeding grounds,
inflated fully, in support of their mating rituals. Likewise impossible not
to mention were perhaps 10-12 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, all evincing some
rich, ruddy breeding plumage, and one or two were in truly spectacular
condition. A few WILSON'S PHALAROPES were present, and one of them, present
on the far shore, was in full, resplendent breeding plumage that easily
captured the eye, even at that distance (as viewed though the scope).
Perhaps close to two dozen STILT SANDPIPERS fed--usually together as a
group--on the far side of the near-road water, but they seemed just starting
to don their breeding garb. The small calidris sandpipers present, both
LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, were heading toward breeding plumage,
too, and quite a few easily betrayed the error of a widespread stereotype
that they lack color and are just "little brown jobs."  A couple of this
genus might have been Western Sandpiper, but these individuals were so
busily preening that a proper assessment of their feathering and even of
their bill shape was difficult.

In sum, there was much to enjoy at Delta Lake today in the way of
shorebirds, despite the apparent absence of the HUGOs.  A nice sight other
than the shorebirds were at least a dozen elegant, shiningly white Great
Egrets, two of which, in high-breeding condition, showed strikingly rich
turquoise in the lores (i.e., the space between bill and eyes) and even in
the area behind the eyes. This is something that sometimes is not shown or
that occasionally is not shown adequately in field guides. It was especially
conspicuous because most of that species were not in high-breeding condition
and thus did not evince this striking facial adornment.

There might well be some more HUGOs that will grace this lake this season,
so vigilance is warranted, but, so long as the level of the west-side lake
remains suitable (and, especially if its gets a bit more so due to lowering
water) one may expect much that is interesting and enjoyable.

Wishing everyone the best of spring migration birding,
Rex and Birgit Stanford

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  • » [texbirds] Delta Lake (04/22/13): Hudsonian Godwits not found but many other good things - Rex Stanford