Bentsen- Rio Grande Valley State Park

/

It was a very hot afternoon (after our visit to Santa Ana) when we arrived at Bentsen- Rio Grande Valley State Park – about 90 degrees. On the plus side – we saw turkeys before we got to the visitor center!

We opted to take the tram to get an overall view of the park and then get off at the bird feeding station closest to the visitor center. The tram stopped long enough for me to photograph a feeding station dominated by turkeys.

When we got off the tram, the green jays and great-tailed grackles were at the feeder.

A golden-fronted woodpecker was on a post and then a roof.

A great kiskadee was on the same roof striking a vulture-like pose.

I was sitting in a swing and watching the plain chachalacas when I managed a short video which became the highpoint of my Bentsen visit. One of the birds started drinking from a puddle a few feet away from me. It was aware of calls from the other birds in its group….and showed its red bare skin patch!

We walked back toward the visitor center over the canal. Next time we visit, I’ll want to go in the morning!

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

/

The day after the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival ended and before we headed back to San Antonio for our flight home, we visited the Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park. Our original plan had been to spend the morning at the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas but the morning was cold and wet…not conducive to butterfly activity. So we changed our plans. It was still cold and wet but some birds in the park didn’t care. This Northern Mockingbird called attention to itself with is song(s).

IMG_6410.jpg

There was an area near the nature center with paved walkways – some of them intermittently covered. We walked around the area – everything was very wet.

IMG_6418.jpg

We took the tram into the park and got off at the first stop. There was a small butterfly garden near the bird blind (where there was no action) and the rain held off for long enough for there to be a little activity. I spotted a Painted Lady,

IMG_6423.jpg

A Skipper (not sure what kind),

IMG_6426.jpg

Queens in abundance, and

We hiked a little further and came to another bird blind…and there was plenty going on there. A Golden Fronted Woodpecker enjoyed the suet.

The Plain Chachalacas were also coming in to the feeders for a snack.

Green Jays were around as well.

It started raining harder do we found a dry place to stand until the tram came bay again. There were more people on the tram for the return visit, so we got the seat on the back of tram…riding backwards. It was a good way to end our visit. I want to go back again on a day when the weather is better!

IMG_6492.jpg