First off, some updates on Polywog: On 05/09, we had 90 species at Polywog
ponds that included 15 Warbler species, a flyover by a Hudsonian Godwit,
Fulvous Whistling Duck, Black and Least Terns.
On 05/11 at Polywog, I had one of my candidates for Bird of the Spring: an
adult Gray Hawk. I watched this Raptor for a few minutes as it gained altitude
and cruised to the West. I have seen two juvenile Gray Hawks in Nueces County
(both at our Hawk Watch); but this was the first adult Gray Hawk I have seen in
Nueces County.
I submitted a report to the Texas Rare Bird Committee (no photo); and certainly
would have alerted folks earlier, if I thought the Hawk might still be around.
Other highlights on 05/11 at Polywog included Summer Tanager, Wilson's Warbler,
and Yellow-throated Vireo.
A short visit to Polywog on 05/12, produced no Gray Hawk; but I did have
Black-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and once again Yellow-throated Vireo.
Polywog, like the 'Jelly of the Month Club', is the gift that keeps on giving.
On 05/14, I had 12 Warbler species. This haul included adult males from the
following Warbler species: Magnolia, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Golden-winged,
Yellow, Mourning, Canada, and American Redstart.
Beyond the Warblers, on the same day (05/14) at Polywog, I had Groove-billed
Ani, Baltimore Oriole, Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireos.
A visit to Hazel Bazemore County Park on 05/13 featured 32 American Avocets
(many with a lot of color), Stilt Sandpiper, Red-shouldered Hawk, Gray Catbird.
Today, (05/15) I took back roads to run a few errands. These County roads and
Farm to Market roads run through seemingly endless agriculture areas,
interspersed with a few stretches of thorn scrub patches. Highlights included
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Dickcissel, Painted Bunting, Horned Lark, Northern
Mockingbird, Red-winged Blackbird, and White-tailed Hawk.
Spring continues, stay safe, be smart, enjoy...
Dane Ferrell
Corpus Christi, TX
