Stromboli's Rolling Log: Day 19, Fri., April 20, 2018, High Island , The Premier site for "Big Bird" Rookeries.

That (The Smith Oaks Rookery) was the goal today, and we did get there in the afternoon. We packed a lunch and left at midmorning but even when we got to the Ferry there were many waiting to do the same thing. Four days ago and two days ago we took the Ferry with Jim Stevenson and each time we had to wait as we just missed the Ferry leaving. He was not happy. Today, going over to Bolivar Peninsula, we did wait for the first one, but coming back were able to just drive rght on as one of the ast vehicles toload. So NO wait! A miracle of sorts.

Foun another daughter today in High Island TX

Jim had told us a trick he uses when embarking on Bolivar. As soon as you get off, take the first side road to the left and do some birding in the marshes and ponds while the Ferry traffic behind you clears. Then you can pull off easily if you see some birds. We did that today as well. I told Ruth this would be our "Post Test" after the birding tours with Jim. I think we did learn quite a few things (many things) and some of them stuck as we viewed some Eastern Willets (they are divided into two subgroups) and full plumage Short Billed Dowitchers. There were other birds and some I willist below. When we first turned on that road a Scarlet Tanager and a Summer Tanager crossed the road in front of us.

A Whimbrel crosses the road on that "back road".

We passed our "Post test" with these Eastern Willets (light color) and Short Billed Dowitchers in summer plumage

When we arrived at High Island (Smith Oaks Rookery) there were not many vehicles, but a few groups that seemed to have been wrapping it up for the day. We took out our lunch from the cooler and consumed that before heading to the rookery. A group of ladies (not birders) all in their late 50's or so were gathering to have a picnic lunch together and they were having a grand time. I asked one lady afterward, (as it was obvious with the hugs that they hadn't seen each other lately) what the ocassion was. She replied that they were ALL Elementary and High School chums and most all graduated from LSU. They get together every two years for a few days. What a wonderful tribute to friendship.There were more than a dozen of them.

After the last two Hurricanes to hit this area, the Audubon societies of Houston, Galveston and others have built 2 structures. One, a very fine board walk that eliminated many steps in order to get to the viewing of the rookery, and second, a new berm so that the construction of a large rookery can be "planted" so to speak. See photos of that.

The new berm is the "sand" colored area. It is all new.

A close up of the same new berm area. Trees will be planted as well

Ruth had her big lens and was very happy to be able to get here finally. She was almost all alone after the tour groups left as there were only a few people there at 2:30. We stayed about 1 hour. (They like folks not to stay longer than an hour with big cameras and tripods on the busy weeks.) Ruth had what she wanted. Although the sky was cloudy there was sun once in a while. The temp was tolerable 66 F with a strong SE wind in the face. I wore my sweater and long pants athough I did not see any mosquitos because of the wind.

Roseate Spoonbill. That huge bill sweeps the water for food.

This guy is huge as seen compared with the big Spoonbill.

Great Egrets on nest with young. That's two nests there.

Hungry babies telling Mom their needs.

A little disagreement here between Spoonbills

A Great Egret in Flight. Gotta be quick.

A mixed group of Egrets and Spoonbills and young. "Side by Side"

As I said previously, we did not have to wait for the Ferry to load, (It carries about 66 cars, + or - some semi's or motor homes. We were home by 3:30 PM which is the earliest since we have been here.

So enjoy the photos, and as tomorrow will be the second rain since we have been here, I may do a "redo" of some past events for you. as we may not get out much.