Since we moved to South Padre Island 15 years ago, spring migration seems to be lasting longer and longer each spring. A few years ago, it was typical for volunteers to stop putting out food at the convention center and the lots on Sheepshead Street on May 1, because migration was over. In recent years, the end of migration has moved into May. 

The biggest migrant surprise this year was the Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata). Most of these birds migrate from the mountains in Mexico to southeast Arizona, but occasionally they will visit south Texas. In early May, this beautiful female Flame-colored Tanager spent several days at the South Padre Island Convention Center.