Author: Justin Case
-
A Striking Red Bird—the Summer Tanager
During April, the peak of spring migration in South Texas, one often spots a summer, scarlet, or, occasionally, a western tanager resting on one of our low branches—to the delight of photographers unable to convince fluttery warblers to strike a pose. We are indeed fortunate hosts. In much of their nesting and wintering grounds, tanagers…
-
Black-necked Stilts
A cartoon animal springs to mind when I watch this round-headed, needle-billed, tuxedoed bird that, walking on pink stilts, rises above its fellow shorebirds probing the mud for edible treats.
-
Winter Ducks
As the lakes and ponds up north begin to freeze over the birds that make their living in the water need to find open, ice-free water. Naturally, this sends them south looking for warm breezes and tropical water where they can spend a comfortable winter; a sort of Margaritaville for ducks.
-
The Chachalaca: Spring 2023
Diane Hall, editor Read the articles below and leave the author a comment. Click here to view the pdf file: The Chachalaca Spring 2023. Vol. 20 No. 1. March 2023 – In this issue: Editor: Diane Hall All photos were taken by the author unless otherwise noted. The Chachalaca: Archives
-
We Saw the Trees of Gold
In response to the frigid arctic air that reached down into deep South Texas, and the slightly warmer, seasonal temperatures that followed, the spectacle of spring has come early with much to show. The brushland trees and shrubs are already painting their colors against the formerly dry, unassuming chaparral in hues of whites, yellows, pinks,…
-
TMN Joy!
My husband and I have been coming to South Padre Island (SPI) off and on for 39 years. It has been the beach and its environs that draw me back… and the restaurants and things to do and ease of being here…and the Roseate Spoonbills and Sanderlings and the monarch butterflies and….the turtle sanctuary at…