LRGV: Jays, Orioles, Kiskadees, etc.

[labmansid]

After our adventures in Port Aransas, we headed down to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. We holed up in Rio Grande City, with the intent to spend some time in the small village of Salineno and Falcon Lake a few miles up the river. There wasn't much going on at Falcon Lake, so we concentrated on Salineno.
Salineno is otherwise just another small border community along the Rio Grande, except for the fact that the RV park there has become a hot spot for bird species otherwise rarely seen in the rest of the US or Texas. Apparently there is a very nice older couple that come down from up north, and camp there for several months during the winter, and have been doing so for quite a few years. They set up feeders all over the place, and the birds flock into the campsite. No blind is necessary, as the birds are well accustomed to human presence, only scattering when someone approaches the feeders which need to be replenished often.
Besides the hordes of Red Winged Blackbirds, which everyone delights in spooking by clapping their hands , there are literally dozens of Greater Kiskadees and Green Jays, at least three species of Orioles, several species of dove and woodpeckers, Black-Crested Titmouse, and a few others. Occasionally there would be a brief appearance by various hawks, such as Coopers, as they attempt an easy meal in this baited hole. One species we were especially looking for was the Brown Jay reported hanging out there. Normally found only in Mexico, they apparently show up rarely on this side of the Rio Grande. I believe I heard the last time one was seen in the US was around five years ago.


Green Jays are quite easy to photograph, and one of my favorites.






Kiskadees are, except for the blackbirds, the most numerous birds there. I got a shot on my cell phone of one tree with at least a dozen of them sitting in it at one time. They are fun to watch, as they are quite animated and vocal.





This one was rather odd looking, like it hadn't bathed in several days. We nicknamed it "Oily Bird".






They often got into squabbles with each other.











Altamira Orioles are plentiful there as well.





An occasional treat was the Audubon's Orioles that would appear.





Sometimes the two would confront each other at the feeders.






I never did get a decent shot of the more bashful Hooded Oriole away from the feeders.






There was a pair of Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers that would come around.






The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker was a treat.









Had to be quick to get the Black-Crested Titmouse.








And last but not least, the infamous Brown Jay made three brief appearances during the day. When it appeared, there was a definite air of excitement, as the four of us were clicking away on our cameras, and the birders gathered behind us would be murmuring amongst themselves.














All in all I found it to be a quite fruitful trip, and would definitely like to return there again someday. Cheryl was a very gracious host, and if you happen to go there, be sure and sign the guestbook and leave a donation for the seed fund!
As always, thanks for looking!
Sid

[houtex01]

Thoroughly enjoyed this series Sid...nice work on all of these...Lower Rio Grande Valley is definitely on my "To Visit" list...have never been down there...

Ron

[lhdvies]

Great series Sid!! Feeder or not, that hooded oriole is gorgeous!!

Leon

[wapiti]

Great stuff, Sid. Wonderful images. You're right. The RGV is a mecca for birding and photography.

[jfoureyes]

Outstanding Sid!! No way I'm pickin' a favorite from this series...they are all fantastic!

[Stargazer77517]

Holy Cow !!!!!!! These are just awesome, Great captures Sid.

[MHampton]

Wow! Very nice! Love the squable shots, great action!

Well Done!

[MichaelW]

A rather unusual look to the eye of that Green Jay. A really great set of photos.
Nice work.

[David Alaniz]

Sid, you did gooooood! Really enjoyed seeing these beautiful birds. Good Job!

[Shadow]

Wow, Sid! I'm dying to get down there soon. Made it almost to Kingsville last time...

[TxPhotoShooter]

Great variety! So many birds I have yet to see. Loved the Audubon's Oriole.

[labmansid]

Thanks Ron, Leon, Bill, Jim, Fred, Michael x2, David x2, and Bruce. Appreciate it.

Originally Posted by MichaelW

A rather unusual look to the eye of that Green Jay. A really great set of photos.
Nice work.

The eyes of the Green Jays are a bit of a challenge, with that black patch that goes around them. The eye can get lost in it, which is I guess the point of camouflage.

[JohnT]

What a wonderful variety. Great work!

[sandboa]

Great series. Congrats on getting a Brown Jay shot.

Were any of the Brown Jays adults? It is sad to see them becoming "rare" in the valley. It used to be they were a guarantee if you knew where to look.

[labmansid]

Thanks John and Chris.

Originally Posted by sandboa

Were any of the Brown Jays adults? It is sad to see them becoming "rare" in the valley. It used to be they were a guarantee if you knew where to look.

I'm not positive, but I was thinking this one was an adult. It may still have a little yellow showing, so could still be considered a juvenile I suppose, I'm certainly no expert. There was some talk of the possibility of both an adult and a juvenile being seen, but I never heard anything definitive.