Browning Binoculars
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Swallow-tailed Kites, Gallinules, and Frigates
Swallow-tailed Kites, Gallinules, and Frigates
I don’t usually trek far to go birding. My trips are generally local. However, I teamed up with a birding partner from the past to do just that. My partner on this trip was someone with whom I birded in the last century (mid-eighties). So, when I got the email inviting me and others to join him on an all day birding trip, I couldn’t refuse. Thus began the rearranging of schedules and ordinary demands to accommodate this adventure which would begin 100 miles from home before dawn.
We were up before our alarms, anticipation driving us. The early routine of coffee and making sandwiches for later in the day went like clockwork. Gear packed the night before was rechecked one more time. We noted that each had different, and better, binoculars since last we birded. We had both opted for the newer roof prism technology. Even my partner’s new scope was carefully stowed in the van; we knew we would use it on the coast.
The objectives for the day were to find Swallow-tailed Kites near Liberty, Texas; Purple Gallinules at Anahuac; Magnificent Frigatebirds near Galveston. In the burgeoning light of dawn we left College Station headed for Dayton and Liberty. My partner had checked with fellow birders on Texbirds to see if anyone had recently sighted the kites. An email confirmed we had a good chance.
We arrived at Liberty shortly after 8:00 and parked on the frontage road near the bridge over the Trinity River to begin our watch for the kites. Local Law Enforcement checked us out to see what we were about. Having determined we had legitimate purpose, they left us to our search. Two and a half hours later we did get to sight three very agile and graceful kites as they hunted insects and lizards from the top of the trees. During those in between hours we also were treated to numerous Anhingas, Common and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, Eurasian Collard Dove and a Belted Kingfisher. For thirty minutes we enjoyed the kites and their acrobatics.
Turning south we traced our way to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. We did not meet any of our other objectives this day. However, we delighted in the viewing of many Common Moorhens and their fluffy little chicks, Green Herons, and Marsh Wrens. We noted the “floating log” had eyes.
We made it to High Island and stopped to take a look at the rookery of herons and Roseated Spoonbills. We noted another floating log with eyes. From High Island it was on to Boliver Flats where we sighted Royal, Caspian and Sandwich Terns, Marbled Godwits, a Long-billed Curlew, Brown Pelicans, and Reddish Egrets. One of the Reddish Egrets engaged in a spirited dance for which they are known.
Our next objective of Galveston and the frigates was thwarted by a flat tire and a very long line waiting for the ferries. Tired, hot and thirsty we headed toward our base. Returning to College Station that evening, thirteen hours later, we had traveled over 400 miles and seen 52 species of birds. I marvel at the mileage because I remember my history lessons in which I learned those brave pioneers who crossed our continent headed for Oregon or California in their wagons would often travel only eight to fourteen miles a day. But I, like Mr. Frost, still had miles to go before I slept. I was still far from home.
There may be some who might count the day unsuccessful, for we had only accomplished one of our objectives. Yet, birding and fishing have in common that we do not always meet the objectives. Casting our lures into the water does not always net us a fish. Casting our binoculars over the field does not always result in a sighting. However, when we do hook the fish or sight the bird, what a rush it is. ‘Tis a lesson for life, even those of us who believe in goals and objectives should take to heart in living our days not just for the mechanics of met objectives, but for the unexpected in between. We had a grand day, filled with stories new and old. We caught up with each others lives and families. We had joked and done our share of “do you remember when?” We had shared in the hunt for some special birds and been impressed by their majesty. We had shared in a pastime which has sustained us, and many others, these many years.
About the Author
Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit www.kingbirdfeeders.com for , binoculars and spotting scopes and happy birding!
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