Spring Migration 2011 - Part 1 of 4

[houtex01]

Spring Migration - the mass movement of birds toward their breeding grounds...this movement begins late March and usually continues into May...attracts thousands of avid birders as well as wildlife photographers to the Texas coastline each Spring...occasionally fast-moving cold fronts crossing the Texas coast and moving out into the Gulf Of Mexico will trigger a phenomenon called a "fallout"...the north winds slow the migrating birds causing them to use up their reserve energy...extremely tired, they are forced to "fallout" and seek shelter and food as soon as they reach the coast line...

This was my first time to observe and photograph the migrating birds spending many hours along the coast shooting thousands of photos...the highlight for me was a "fallout" that occurred May 2nd...around 2PM several Baltimore Orioles dropped in...within 20 minutes the trees turned a bright orange filled with hundreds of orioles...I managed to add 31 new species plus several un-ID flycatchers/pewees to my photography database...here is the first of several postings of a few photos taken this Spring...hope you enjoy...C/C always welcomed...

Bird ID's:
#1 - Black & White Warbler
#2 - Baltimore Oriole
#3 - Yellow Warbler
#4 - White-eyed Vireo
#5 - Indigo Bunting
#6 - Orchard Oriole
#7 - Gray Catbird

Ron

[prncfarquad]

I scrolled back and forth trying to pic a favorite to no avail. They all have a beauty to them and you captured that well!

[jfoureyes]

Excellent job on all of these Ron!

[Stargazer77517]

Very cool Ron.
This is the first year I have ever experienced fallout myself. Its amazing the number of different species that can be seen during this event. I know one thing for sure, Ill be ready for it next year.

[dtran]

Great collection, Ron! Thanks for sharing the story, too!

[lhdvies]

Nice series Ron!!!

[iCe]

Good Lord Ron! That is a nice variety!

[snidow]

I agree, good job Ron and I like the yellow warbler best.

[houtex01]

Thanks everyone for viewing and your comments...always appreciated and enjoy reading them...

Ron

[David Alaniz]

Thanks for sharing Ron. I like looking at these pretty guys. Good job.

[rjsalinas]

Outstanding set, Ron

[Tim T]

Great set Ron. Quite the variety that you got there. Good job.

[houtex01]

Thanks David, Robert and Tim for viewing and your comments...always enjoy reading your comments...

Ron

[DougC]

Great looking bunch here Ron.

[houtex01]

Originally Posted by DougC

Great looking bunch here Ron.

Thanks Doug for your comments...always enjoy reading them...

Ron