I started the trip at Anahuac and one of the king rails was feeding out in the open http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116528 Least bitterns were there too http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116559 This was the first trip with lots of swallows away from the nest sites, here an adult http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116595 And some youngsters http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116594 All orchard orioles were adults http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116601 A common nighthawk gave a different view http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116608 All but one of the black terns around were 1st year non-breeders http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116619 Most were finishing their molt and had lost their browner feathers with the exception of this bird http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116638 Many still had the older 2 outer primaries to molt http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116640 And one of the last new feathers growing http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116622 And basically done. http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116642 This was the only blackish bird I had east of the ferry but several at Brazoria were in full breeding plumage http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116644 It is a good summer for short-billed dowitchers on the UTC. Some remained in winter plumage and others have a few breeding feathers. http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116662 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116663 With all of the gulfweed around, it shows up everywhere http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116665 The black-tailed godwit was still way out there though http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116666 Lots of wood storks that day at Brazoria http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116824 They sure dwarf a roseate spoonbill http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116819 Most were just sitting but some fed http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/144116817 All of the pictures can be browsed at http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/inbox -- Joseph C. Kennedy on Buffalo Bayou in West Houston Josephkennedy36@xxxxxxxxx