There were three main areas to explore today, and then an unexpected long ride to the chiropractor. We did know that we were going but not as distant as we had planned. More on that later.
Getting a good start before 9:30 with a lunch packed, we still explored along some of the local roads the wetlands, marshes and woods as these are where the migrating birds will rest as they came across the Gulf. The Orchard Orioles that were in the field next to our Park, had been there at least three days and today seemed to be gone. The Indigo Buntings are still around. Much depends on the weather to assist them in moving along. The direction of the wind and how much of it there is is a factor as well..
Our first exploration was on Stewart Rd which parallels the main highway on the Island but is closer to the Back Bay. The main road (3005 is along the Gulf Beach more or less and is a continuation of the Seawall road.) This was good birding as we stopped to examine the fields and ponds along the way.
Next was a stop at what is known as the Stewart Mansion , now converted onto a summer commercial use building. But the grounds are huge and on one side is a very long row of mixed flowering shrubs. Many of them are "Bottle Brush" and attract the hummingbirds and yes,we did see our first HUMMINGBIRD there today. It was a Black Chinned Humner. But on those bushes were a few other birds getting the nectar and I assume the insects that are attracted to it. Baltimore Orioles Warbling Vireos, Orchard Orioles, and Indigo Bunting were the main ones. Quite a surprise as the bushes were about 200 feet in length. No hummer photos as they are too quick.
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| Baltimore Oriole on bottle bush. |
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| A Warbling Vireo getting nectar. |
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| Ruth got a good shot of a geen Skink "puffing" up. |
Some outstanding birds of the day were; Shoveler Ducks, Mottled duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Caracara, Black Chinned Hummingbird, Orange crowned Warbler, White Rumped Sandpiper, Sharp Shinned Hawk (not many hawks seen yet) , Luisiana Waterthrush, Kingfisher, White Faced Ibis, White Eyed Vireo, Western Sandpiper,an Alligator and a Land Otter.
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| The LaFitte memorial on Stewart Rd. |
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| An illustration of the 4 Zones at The Nature Preserve. |
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| The students returning from a day kayak trip on the Back Bays |
"The Stewart Mansion was built on the land in which Karankawa warriors (Cannabilistic) went to war with Lafitte’s men in what is known as the
Battle of the Three Trees. Lafitte’s
men stole the Karankawa chief’s daughter and Karankawa
warriors retaliated by attacking and killing four pirates. Lafitte found
out and sent a few hundred of his men along with two cannons to attack
the Karankawas. The Stewart mansion sits where Karankawa warriors
equipped with only bow and arrow fought pirates equipped with guns and
cannon for three bloody days. The Karankawa lost about 10% of their
fighting force before retreating while the well-armed pirates lost none." Many say the house is haunted.
A dead end street that was recommended did not produce much in the way of birds, but we did see a group of High School students just embarking form a Kayak trip on the Back Bay as their bus had just arrived to pick them up and take them back to school. (see above)
The final stop was the nature Center at Lafitte's Cove.You remember Lafitte the Pirate, don't you ? The US government finally had to get after him as he became a menace in the end. They named a park after him and there is a memorial to his exploits on Stewart Rd., (see). The Park is beautiful and contains the four main habitats that are left for wildlife from this area historically. (See plaque of Park)
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| The Hartman Bridge a fan arranged cable type. |
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| In honor of two of our daughters. At Stewart Mansion. |
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| Lifeguard on duty at "Babe's" Beach. (They are all named) |
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| This Dad was with his 2 year old all day. Tomorrow..hurting? |
We were at that time over 55 birds and still had a few left to add before the day was up. But it was time for Ruth's appointment in Galveston for the D.C. We waited for about an hour on the Beach (Babe's Beach) to stall for time until the appointed time of 3:45. When we arrived we found they had not told Ruth that there were two places where the D.C were located. So, we got directions to head to Houston (south end) to the other office , but in driving we did not find the street name we were given and drove right by it. There was no street name , just a number.(Maybe we will use our GPS next time?) We drove more than 30mies out of our way on the TX 146 freeway at the rush hour of the day. We finally arrived at the D.C. at 5:15 and they were waiting for us patiently. (The other office had called ahead). Ruth got very good treatment and we had a leisurely trip home in the remainder of the rush hour , arriving at 7:00 PM. The crock pot chicken and veggies smelled very good as we came in the door, and we ate , ravenously. Another good day, an unexpected adventure with mostly sun and some southerly breezes. It is suppose to rain tonight, but the stars are out, and the clouds moved north???
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| A Black Necked Stilt n flight |
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| Look carefully to see the female Summer Tanatger in the Mulberry, |
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| A view of a portion of the LaFitte Nature Preserve. |
Tomorrow will end the local roads trips, as the following five days we will be with Jim Stevenson the professional bird guide and ornithologist here on Galveston. Thanks for your comments and support.
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