1. Nature

High Island & Quintana, Tx., April 2009

In the spring, bird watchers and photographers descend on High Island, Texas (on the upper Gulf coast) to see a wide variety of colorful migrating birds under ideal conditions. On their approach to Texas after crossing the Gulf on an exhausting non-stop trip, many birds first notice tiny High Island, which is elevated by a natural salt dome underneath. They gather in amazing quantities during April and May for rest and food. Normally cautious species are more easily approached at this time, as they too exhausted to be on full alert while gorging themselves on berries, bottlebrush and other available food sources. Texas is a funneling point on the massive North American migration corridor where many millions of birds annually return to the East and Midwest, including Canada. Birds that do not cross the water, but follow the coastline, stop here as well. At the same time all this is going on, a nearby rookery is in full swing containing dozens of Blue and Green Herons, Snowy and Great Egrets and Roseate Spoonbills, adding to the viewing pleasure.
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  • Painted Bunting, High Island, Tex., April 20, 2009. One of the early photos in a fabulous day of perfect weather and birding conditions.

    Painted Bunting, High Island, Tex., April 20, 2009. One of the early photos in a fabulous day of perfect weather and birding conditions.

  • Blackburnian Warbler, High Island Boy Scout Woods sanctuary, Texas 4-20-09. This fast-moving Warbler stayed within 15 feet of us in low branches for so long (15-20 minutes) we finally got all the photos we wanted and walked off! It is a beautiful bird that is just as stunning in person.

    Blackburnian Warbler, High Island Boy Scout Woods sanctuary, Texas 4-20-09. This fast-moving Warbler stayed within 15 feet of us in low branches for so long (15-20 minutes) we finally got all the photos we wanted and walked off! It is a beautiful bird that is just as stunning in person.

  • Roseate Spoonbill, High Island Rookery, 4-20-09.

    Roseate Spoonbill, High Island Rookery, 4-20-09.

  • Roseate Spoonbill in slowdown, High Island rookery, 4-20-09

    Roseate Spoonbill in slowdown, High Island rookery, 4-20-09

  • Summer Tanager, High Island, Tx 4-20-09.

    Summer Tanager, High Island, Tx 4-20-09.

  • Scarlet Tanager, 4-20-09, High Island.

    Scarlet Tanager, 4-20-09, High Island.

  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak, High Island, 4-20-09.

    Rose-breasted Grosbeak, High Island, 4-20-09.

  • Black-throated Green Warbler, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

    Black-throated Green Warbler, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

  • Black and white Warbler, High Island, Tex. 4-20-09

    Black and white Warbler, High Island, Tex. 4-20-09

  • Rare Cerulean Warbler, High Island, Tx. 4-20-09

    Rare Cerulean Warbler, High Island, Tx. 4-20-09

  • Red-eyed Vireo, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

    Red-eyed Vireo, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

  • Common Nighthawk, High Island, Tx. 4-20-09

    Common Nighthawk, High Island, Tx. 4-20-09

  • Northern Parula, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

    Northern Parula, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

  • Indigo Bunting, Quintana sanctuary, Texas 4-09

    Indigo Bunting, Quintana sanctuary, Texas 4-09

  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak, High Island 4-20-09.

    Rose-breasted Grosbeak, High Island 4-20-09.

  • Summer Tanager, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

    Summer Tanager, High Island, Texas 4-20-09

  • White-eyed Vireo with seeds on bill, Quintana sanctuary. 4-13-09.

    White-eyed Vireo with seeds on bill, Quintana sanctuary. 4-13-09.

  • Black and White Warbler, 4-20-09 High Island, Tx.

    Black and White Warbler, 4-20-09 High Island, Tx.

  • Summer Tanager, 4-20-09 High Island, Texas

    Summer Tanager, 4-20-09 High Island, Texas

  • Summer Tanager at garden in Boy Scout Woods, High Island, Texas 4-20-09.

    Summer Tanager at garden in Boy Scout Woods, High Island, Texas 4-20-09.

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird at a Bottlebrush. High Island, 4-20-09. It is amazing a bird this small can store enough energy to fly across the Gulf of Mexico for two days nonstop, braving the winds and elements. When they reach High Island they are much thinner than normal having lost up to half their body weight.

    Ruby-throated Hummingbird at a Bottlebrush. High Island, 4-20-09. It is amazing a bird this small can store enough energy to fly across the Gulf of Mexico for two days nonstop, braving the winds and elements. When they reach High Island they are much thinner than normal having lost up to half their body weight.

  • Baltimore Oriole, High Island, Tx 4-20-09

    Baltimore Oriole, High Island, Tx 4-20-09

  • Scarlet Tanager, 4-20-09 High Island, Tx

    Scarlet Tanager, 4-20-09 High Island, Tx

  • I have seen Catbirds before, but never had a vocal serenade quite like this one gave me.  It proved why they are so named. Distance was 15 feet or less and he was unconcerned about my presence. High Island, Tx 4-20-09.

    I have seen Catbirds before, but never had a vocal serenade quite like this one gave me. It proved why they are so named. Distance was 15 feet or less and he was unconcerned about my presence. High Island, Tx 4-20-09.

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    Summer Tanager, High Island, Texas 4-20-09
    White-eyed Vireo with seeds on bill, Quintana sanctuary. 4-13-09.
    Black and White Warbler, 4-20-09 High Island, Tx.