Around the first part of October, the Albuquerque area got quite a bit of rain storms. Since the weather had cooled off from those storms, I decided to go check out the Ojito Wilderness northwest of Albuquerque. This area is just too hot during the summer months.
On the day I went, it was still very overcast. Thankfully I had my Jeep, because most of the roads were still very muddy and required 4WD. Because of all the rain we’d had, the rocks had been saturated and their colors were very vibrant. I enjoyed hiking and exploring all the rock formations.
I thought you might like to see some of the photos I took during that hike.
The colors of the Ojito Wilderness are so beautiful.
Unicorn Horn Formation
This formation was HUGE
All the wind formed shapes are so wonderful
Scarlett enjoyed exploring that day
The white rock formation in the distance is so unique
Our last day in Estes Park. I really didn’t want to leave. There was so much to explore!
Dia said she wanted to sleep in. So Scarlett and I headed out very early to go birding in Moraine Park where I had seen so many birds before. It was a gorgeous morning. And when I arrived at the trail head, there was birdsong everywhere. Yay!
The trail I chose crossed a creek flowing through the meadow and headed for a rock outcropping with large pines and oaks. I figured this would give me a bigger variety of species to look for with the range of habitat available.
My first bird sighting was a Lincoln’s Sparrow. I could hear him singing among some dead trees along the creek. But it took me forever to spot him. He was very camouflaged among the dead branches.
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Up ahead on the little bridge crossing the creek I saw several American Crows enjoying the morning sun.
Soon I was at the treeline edge. Lots of birds here. There were many House Wrens busy flitting here and there so it was a challenge to get a decent pic.
House Wren
While photographing the wrens, a pair of juvenile Williamson’s Sapsuckers came over to check me out.
Juvenile Williamson’s Sapsucker
A White-Breasted Nuthatch was busy feeding above me.
White-Breasted Nuthatch
I saw several Northern Flickers. For the most part they stayed a ways away. I did manage to get a decent pic of one before it saw me and took off.
Northern Flicker
Then I saw a quick peek of yellow. At first I thought it might be a warbler, but when I finally got a good look at it, I realized it was a young male Western Tanager. Always a pleasure to see!
Western Tanager
A cute little bunny was feeding next to the trail. I always think they are so adorable.
All of a sudden Scarlett let out a low growl. I saw where she was looking and realized there was a coyote in the meadow. It decided it didn’t want anything to do with Scarlett, so it quickly headed off deeper into the meadow. He was between me and the morning sun, so I didn’t get a great pic. But I always love seeing coyotes. For some reason, Scarlett always growls when she sees one. That’s a good thing I guess!
Coyote
There were several hummingbirds about. I believe they were all Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds. In that same area where we saw the coyote, there was a patch of Bee Balm. I love these flowers. Such unusual blooms and hummingbirds love them. I managed to catch one feeding but that low morning sun didn’t make for very good photos. Sigh….
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird feeding on Bee Balm flowers
Further up the trail I saw a LBB (little brown bird). That’s usually how I end up identifying sparrows when you can’t get a good enough look at them. This one caught my attention because it had two wing feathers sticking out funny. 🙂
I believe this is a Brewer’s Sparrow
I only got one butterfly photo the whole trip. There were wildflowers everywhere but very few butterflies.
Small Wood Nymph
There were squirrels everywhere. This park has a healthy population of a large variety of squirrels and chipmunks. I almost didn’t see this chipmunk as it blended very well with the rock it was sitting on.
To my delight a Steller’s Jay landed nearby and the sun was behind me! 🙂 This one looks to be a young one starting to get more adult plumage.
Steller’s Jay
Out in the meadow I saw a flock of Red-Winged and Brewer’s Blackbirds feeding on the grass seeds.
Brewer’s Blackbird
Red-Winged Blackbird – female
I saw many American Robins while in the park, but I only managed to get one good photo of one.
American Robin
As I was getting into my car to leave, I got one last photo of a Black-Billed Magpie. I love these birds. I’m so glad I was able to see so many of them and get some nice photos.
Black-Billed Magpie
I was sad to leave the park. I am definitely coming back again in the future!
Mule Deer
Dia called me as I was heading back to town. I asked her where she was. Where else?!? Starbucks! So I met her there and we enjoyed sitting by the river that runs through Estes Park. Such a beautiful town.
Dia at her happy place!
Before I end this trip, I thought I would share some of the fun and silly photos we took over the weekend. 🙂
I made Scarlett get in the water. She was not happy with me. I think the loud waterfall nearby was scaring her.
Scarlett didn’t know what to think of all the raging rivers and waterfalls. Even though she loves water, this kind of water was scary!
These marmots knew how to beg for treats
This is definitely NOT my husband’s Jeep LOL!
Dia photo bombing me
Dia enjoying all her pleasures
Kelly and her precious Scarlett
What I do to get that “perfect” photo LOL!
I just couldn’t get my new tube scarf thing to work 😐
Recently my friend Dia and I took a long weekend to visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) near Estes, Colorado. We have talked about going there for about 5 years. Finally our schedules came together and we were able to go. I have long wanted to visit this national park. The photos I’ve seen from there are just stunning. Water everywhere! (Unlike New Mexico LOL!)
It took us about 10 hours to drive there, due to the many stops made at Starbucks 🙂
Kelly and Dia getting their Starbucks fix!
We arrived at the entrance sign to Estes Park late in the day. Of course, we had to take a pic there of us in our matches dresses. 🙂
We made it! Don’t you love our matching dresses!? 🙂
There were several Black-Billed Magpies around and one was happy to pose for me on the sign. I guess they are no longer a nemesis of mine LOL!
Black-Billed Magpie
We knew it was going to be crowded every day there as we were visiting during peak season. So we made plans to go to bed early and get up very early to beat the crowds. It proved to be a great plan as we found when we were leaving the trails that’s when most people were heading out. Doing this allowed us to visit the spectacular park with minimal intrusion of other people. There’s nothing more discouraging to a photographer than to have a beautiful setting for a photo crowded out with masses of tourists.
Dia has been to RMNP a few times in the past. I had never been before. So I followed her lead on what to see first. Her favorite drive is up Old Fall River Road. A one-way dirt road that climbs to the highest point in the park. When I looked at the map, I realized a couple of the waterfalls I wanted to photograph were on this route. Yay!
Our first stop was at the Allivial Fan Falls. This waterfall was created by a major flood due to a failure in a dam upstream.
Alluvial Fan Falls
Heading up Old Fall River Road, we saw so many beautiful sights. Everywhere you looked, it was a Kodak moment. Dia drove my Jeep so I could take photos. She loves driving my Jeep – especially off road. 🙂 At one point, Dia almost ran over a marmot who had no fear of the Jeep. Evidently he’s used to tourists feeding him as they pass.
Kelly and her Jeep (not her husband’s Jeep) 😉
Dia and Scarlett enjoying the drive up Old Fall River Road
Marmot
I especially loved this little waterfall at the beginning of the drive. There was no formal trail, just enough of a path to view the water closer.
Further up the road we came to Chasm Falls – another waterfall on my “must see” list. What a beautiful waterfall coming through the narrow canyon.
Looking downstream
Scarlett, Kelly & Dia
Scarlett loves water – so of course we had to let her play a little before hitting the road again.
Scarlett enjoying the falls in her own way 🙂
Soon we were climbing higher and higher. The views expanded. Just glorious!
Gorgeous views from Old Fall River Road.
We eventually rose above the tree line. Beautiful! We came across patches of wildflowers. Everything was so green – way different from New Mexico.
Just before reaching the RMNP Alpine Visitor Center, we came across more marmot. I liked how this one posed nicely for me.
Marmot
The views at the visitor center overlooking a glacial cirque were truly breathtaking. The grasses were so lush and the snow provided a beautiful contrast to the photos.
Glacial Cirque
There is a hike from the visitor’s center that takes you to a peak. It was tough going considering there was very little oxygen at 12,000 feet above sea level. The views from the top were amazing. I love exploring!
Trail from the visitor’s center.
Breathtaking views!
Dia
Where’s Starbucks???!!!!!
Views of the visitor center from the top of the trail.
Dia, Kelly and Scarlett at the top!
After a brief stop at the Visitor’s Center, we decided to take the drive to Grand Lake. We wound our way back down the other side of the mountain. At the bottom we took a short hike to stretch our legs and enjoy the beautiful weather. I saw several sparrows in this area but only managed to get one pic of a Savannah Sparrow.
Such a lush valley of green
These squirrels found a good home.
Dia happy with her Starbucks! 🙂
This was the only butterfly I saw that day. Terrible photo as I didn’t have my birding lens. I believe this is a Mormon Fritillary
Savannah Sparrow
As we made our way toward Grand Lake we saw a turn off for Lake Irene. What a serene little lake.
Lake Irene
As we left Irene Lake we saw a bunch of folks looking into the dense brush along the road. We figured they’d spotted something good. And indeed they had – a moose! Actually two moose – a mother and calf. They were a ways away and in dense brush, but I managed to get a couple photos. I’d never seen a moose before!
Moose with calf
We also saw some nice bull Elk along the road. One was really enjoying the good life of summer.
Very healthy bull Elk
Enjoying summer
Near Grand Lake I spotted an Osprey nest. It’s always a good day when you see a bird of prey.
Osprey
Grand Lake was very touristy and actually not in RMNP. So we turned around and decided to drive the Ridge Road back to Estes Park. Once again we were in store for more stunning views way above the tree line.
Click, click, click….I took over 5,000 photos on this trip! Yikes!
Expansive views
I love the high alpine meadow flowers – so small and delicate.
Dia and Kelly
At one point we saw a nice herd of elk. They were grazing in the high meadows well above 11,000 feet. They have a very picturesque home.
Scarlett was enjoying all the sights and smells.
So many smells!!!!
We stopped at one pullout to view a glacier.
Hmmmm…look at my Jeep keys precariously dangling from Dia’s hand….
Glacier at 12,000 feet. I love the blue pool of water in the lower right.
While taking photos, Dia noticed a little brown bird hopping just below us. I quickly got my birding lens and was happy to see it was a Brown-Capped Rosy Finch.
Brown-Capped Rosy Finch
Further down the road we stopped at another pullout. There were lots of folks feeding the birds and squirrels here. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take close up photos of the rather tame squirrels.
What a cutie!
excuse me…you have something in the corner of your mouth…
But I was thrilled to see a Clark’s Nutcracker here looking for handouts. I’ve only seen this bird once before several years ago in Santa Fe. I’ve heard them a few times since then, but never saw them for a photo. So it was great to see this bird close up!
Clark’s Nutcracker
The views from this location were beautiful. You could see the entire valley below. You can even see the Alluvial Fan Falls area we had visited in the morning.
It was a full day of fun!!! Off to bed early for another full day of exploring!
My friend Dia and I went for a quick trip to Taos, New Mexico, recently. My goal was to photograph several historic churches and see the Taos Pueblo and the graveyard there.
I needed to stop by a job site on the way there, so we decided to make a big circle for our road trip. On the way to Taos we went through Las Vegas, New Mexico. I mentioned to Dia there was a pretty little glacial lake just north of there. One thing I’ve learned about Dia – take her to any kind of water and she’s a happy girl!
We were soon at Morphy Lake. Such a peaceful place. Set at a higher elevation, it was a nice 75 degrees there in hot summer.
Morphy Lake
While walking the shore, I happened to notice a giant tadpole. After further searching, we saw lots of them in different stages of changing into a frog. We even saw some fully formed frogs. I also saw an oddly colored fish.
This frog still has his tadpole tail.
hmmmmm….not sure what kind of fish this is
Then Dia saw a crawdad. She’s fascinated by these guys! Soon she was trying to catch one. After a couple of attempts, she got one!
Slowly…..slowly…..closer……
Got him!
Success!
Oh dear…. lol!
Soon we were on our way again. We passed through a few small towns and past Sipapu Ski area. We were climbing in elevation the entire drive.
We came upon a pretty stream. Scarlett was wanting to get out for a bit. Knowing how much she loves water, I figured this would be a nice place to stretch our legs. Soon Dia and Scarlett were in the water having a fun time. I swear I was traveling with two kids! 🙂
Dia and Scarlett having fun!
Once in Taos we ate lunch at a local restaurant called the Farmhouse that uses fresh farm grown produce. Sadly the food really wasn’t very good and I can’t recommend a visit there to eat. But the grounds were pretty with a pond, wildflowers and garden spinners.
Pond at the Farmhouse Restaurant
I love garden spinners
Funky Taos art
Dia, Kelly & Scarlett
Then I noticed an old rusted truck out in a field. As you’ve probably figured out by now, I can’t resist photographing old rusty things!!!
I love all the different layers of paint (and a little bondo)
We also had to pose on this truck LOL! But the metal was hot as fire making it difficult to do much. LOL!
Kelly
Dia
We ate at a local bar that is housed in the oldest building in Taos. We had a great time having a couple of margaritas and playing shuffleboard.
Delicious margaritas and it was happy hour!
Kelly and Dia enjoying drinks on the patio
Dia won both games of shuffleboard
My silly friend!
Finally the sun was setting. Time to get out for some sunset and blue hour photos of the mission at Ranchos de Taos. This mission was built in 1772 and has been wonderfully kept over the years.
We got there just as the sun was setting. It was a gorgeous evening.
I especially loved this photo I captured.
Dia wanted me to take a photo of her that made her look like a ghost. After several attempts, I think I got a decent shot. I’m only just learning how to do night photography. I still have lots more to learn but having fun trying!
Ghostly Dia
The next morning we got up early to visit Taos Pueblo. We drove through the northern end of town to get there. And wouldn’t you know it I saw one of my nemesis birds – the Black-Billed Magpie. And I didn’t have my birding lens! Ahhhhh! These birds were everywhere. After several attempts I did manage to get a decent pic with the setup I had on hand.
Black-Billed Magpie
When we got to the pueblo, we found out it was closed due to a funeral. 🙁 So I guess I will have to plan another trip there to see the sights on the pueblo.
We stopped for gas and I couldn’t resist taking a photo of this crow in the parking lot.
American Crow
Since our original destination was closed, we headed over to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The morning was very hazy, so the photos really weren’t that good. But we still had a fun time on the bridge and shopping the local artist tables there. We each bought a pretty ring and earrings. 🙂
Rio Grande Gorge
Kelly’s feet – it’s a loooong way down to the river
Dia and Kelly at the gorge bridge
We even saw big horn sheep down in the gorge.
On the way home we took a different route. We took the “High Road” back home. This road takes you up high in the mountains through the quaint towns of Las Trampas and Truchas. It was too bad the day was so hazy, because the views from this drive are amazing!
There’s a beautiful historical church in Las Trampas built in 1760. It has some interesting details. Plus there was also a House Sparrow pair busily building a nest.
San Jose de Garcia Church
This angel was carved above the door.
House Sparrow
Further down the road is Truchas. It’s perched high on a mountain with long reaching views. As we were looking for the church there, we came upon a flock of Evening Grosbeak. I still didn’t have my birding lens, so was challenged to get a decent pic. They are such beautiful birds.
Evening Grosbeak
There is a quaint church off a small side road – Our Lady of the Rosary built in 1764.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Our last stop was at Chimayo. The El Santuario de Chimayo is a National Historic Landmark and is famous for it’s healing holy dirt. It was founded in 1816 and people pilgrimage here from all over to receive blessing and leave mementos of loved ones. It would be easy to spend several hours here exploring and enjoying the peaceful setting.
I loved the murals in this little side sanctuary
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
While Dia and I walked around, we left Scarlett in the Jeep. She was not happy with this decision. LOL!
Scarlett left in the Jeep – poor girl…..
We had a fun filled couple of days and saw lots of sights. But I know I have to plan another trip in the future to see Taos Pueblo.
Recently my friend Dia and I spent a whole day exploring the area around El Morro near Grants, NM. Our main destination was to find Nutria Canyon. I’ve heard very little about this hike and there is minimal information online. But there was this one tantalizing photo online that drew me back again and again during the winter months. I knew I just had to find this place during the summer when my friend could join me. It’s about 3 hours away from where I live, so I didn’t want to venture out on my own.
We started out early with hopes of getting to the canyon by around 9. Sadly there was a lot of road construction that slowed us down. Then, when we were in the general area, we just didn’t know where to go. Luckily I saw this one dirt road that said Nutria Lake. It was 25 miles sooner on the highway than my online directions were saying. Thankfully, just as we turned onto the road a local came driving by. They were very helpful and told us we were definitely in the right place.
Since the lake was just a little side trip off the road, we headed over to see it. It was a pretty place with a few ducks enjoying the water. We got out to enjoy the view and let Scarlett have a bathroom break.
Nutria Lake
Wouldn’t you know it, as soon as Scarlett started doing her “business” a pack of reservation dogs came out of nowhere heading straight for us. Dia and I were calling Scarlett to HURRY! HURRY! get in the car. But she just couldn’t finish her “business” quickly enough. We were panicking by this time. Dia ran to drag Scarlett to the car if need be, and I was opening the doors and grabbing the gun! Thankfully Scarlett hurried up and jumped in the car along with us in the nick of time! Whew! Needless to say, we left the lake and headed to our original destination.
The valley we were driving into was very lush. We saw lots of happy horses and other livestock. And there were prairie dogs EVERYWHERE!!!
As we neared the trail head, we came upon a marshy area where Nutria Creek spills out of the canyon. Just gorgeous!
Marsh area near the trail head
Dia had just gotten a new tattoo on her entire back. So she wasn’t able to carry a pack. I told her I would carry everything in my pack (I’d do anything to go see this canyon!). So when we arrived at the trail head, she started loading up my pack. Wow! Heavy!
That pack had to weigh 40 pounds!
I told her she had to at least carry the gun. She gladly accepted that task!
Dia packing heat!
The trail headed into the narrowing canyon with lush green trees and bushes. It definitely beckoned us to head inside.
Entrance to trail – so green!
Almost as soon as we started the trail, there was water. Scarlett immediately dove in!
Scarlett in her happy place!
Thankfully enough people have been on this trail that they have constructed makeshift boardwalks out of old pallets and scrap lumber. They were rickety but effective to walk over the mud.
We started climbing up above the creek and into a lush forest of oaks. There were Yellow Warblers everywhere! I didn’t bring my birding lens, so no bird pics this trip. But so much birdsong in the canopy made me regret my decision to leave that lens at home.
Kelly on the very lush trail.
It was nice and cool in the shade
We eventually met up with the creek again. Then we turned a corner in the canyon and it opened up to a stunning view. Beautiful steep red canyon walls and gorgeous green foliage. We were getting close to where I saw that tantalizing photo so many months ago.
Dia enjoying the view on this perfect seat.
Then there it was! A picturesque pond in this hidden canyon. Stunning! I was so wishing we had found the trail much sooner. By this time it was noon and not the best conditions for photography. But I did my best to capture some images that did the view justice.
Gorgeous!
I loved the reflections in the pond.
I just had to have a photo of me and Scarlett in this beautiful spot.
My sweet Miss Scarlett
Scarlett and Kelly
The day was warming up quickly. Scarlett was tempted to jump down into that pond. We kept having to tell her no.
It was sooooo tempting to jump in…
Eventually we made it around and down to that pond and she was a happy girl!
Such a peaceful place
Scarlett loved the ponds. Cool and refreshing water to play in.
We hung around here for a while as the trail just became too congested with brush to continue on. I had hoped to explore further but this is just not a well known place. So there isn’t enough foot traffic to keep the trail open.
Untouched beauty
Scarlett kept on eye on me as I navigated the big boulders
Beautiful
Dia and Kelly
Eventually we headed back to the car. We still had quite a bit of daylight left to the day. So we decided to visit the Ice Cave. I had never been, and Dia said it had been a long while since she had been there.
On the way out, we decided to stop at a few of the abandoned homes in the valley. They are interesting to explore. Just a plethora of things to photograph!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We had lunch at the Ancient Way Cafe. It’s a tiny little place, but the food is good and the desserts were outstanding! They have quite a baker working there.
Our sandwich was shaped just like a Bigfoot footprint!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!
The visitor’s center at the ice cave was very interesting. It’s amazing what they found down in that hole. Centuries of history perfectly preserved. I highly recommend you take the time to look around at all the treasures jammed into this small building.
Look at those giant perfectly whole Indian pots!
Fascinating!
The Ice Cave offers two hikes. One up to the Bandera Volcano and one down to the ice cave. We hiked the volcano first since we knew we would cool off at the ice cave. 🙂
It was a short and relatively uninteresting hike.
Bandera Volcano
At the top of the trail, Dia collapsed due to lack of a Starbuck’s for hours. I told her to hang in there. We will get her one soon.
Where’s Starbucks????????? she wailed
The Ice Cave was much more interesting. The trail to the cave takes you through the basalt fields left by the volcano. It makes you wonder how anyone found that ice cave so long ago. It had to have been quite the challenge to navigate through that jagged sharp basalt.
Basalt field
A blooming cactus brought beauty to the stark view.
The area was called The Devil’s Playground by early settlers. It’s easy to see why. While hiking to the cave we came across this unique dead juniper. I took a picture of Dia there being her naughty self. She then took my photo and edited it to fit the area’s nickname. 🙂
Dia being evil…
At the cave you climb down a steep set of stairs.
Kelly and Scarlett ready to descend
Steep stairs
There it is deep below the surface.
As you descended you could really feel the temperature dropping. It was quite refreshing after a hot climb up the volcano.
I didn’t let Scarlett go all the way to the bottom. You could see what she thought about that…..
The inside of the cave was beautiful. I tried to capture the colors in the cave by setting my camera to a slow shutter speed. Just beautiful.
The colors in the rock ceiling were so beautiful.
The ice had a green cast to it. It made for a lovely contrast with all the colors in the rock formation.
Too soon we were heading home. On the way out we saw a few Mule Deer. One was more curious than the others and had a beautiful shaggy coat.
Mule Deer
When we got to Grants, Dia had to have her Starbucks. But she almost had a big tantrum when she realized there wasn’t a Starbucks there. It was hilarious!
The drive home was long due to yet more road construction. But the day’s adventures had been fabulous (even with the lack of Starbuck’s at the end). 🙂
I saved the most difficult category for last – miscellaneous birds. Specifically flycatchers. I am challenged when it comes to identifying flycatchers. Thankfully, there was a local birding expert nearby when I saw the flycatchers, and she was able to identify them for me. You can see why it’s challenging to identify them…they almost look identical!
Here’s the many variety of flycatchers I saw at Port Aransas. And they are all lifers!!!
Alder Flycatcher
Acadian Flycatcher
Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
While visiting there, I went out every morning before dawn. I saw some beautiful sights around the town. One morning I toured the marina and took a few pics.
Beautiful sailboats
Homes on the Port Aransas Marina
The beach at dawn is gorgeous. Very few people, calm winds, the sounds of the surf and birds.
Horace Caldwell Pier at sunrise
I found some sand sculptures one morning. They must have had a contest the day before that was sponsored by Crown Royal. I was pretty impressed with the sculptures, though I can’t figure out why the pig was the grand champion. Hmmmmmm…..
Willie Nelson
It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere
Lovely mermaid
Grand Champion Pig
While walking Charlie’s Pasture I did encounter a few butterflies. They were difficult to find as the wind blew pretty good almost my entire trip. I found other fun stuff too while hiking the boardwalks.
A gorgeous passion flower
I believe this is a White Peacock that survived a close call!
Funereal Duskywing
Ceraunus Blue
Green Anole shedding its skin. I loved to catch these lizards when I was a little kid living in Houston!
Common Buckeye
A very fresh Pipevine Swallowtail
One morning at Charlie’s Pasture I came across a coyote. Just beautiful!
Coyote
While visiting the Leonabelle Refuge I saw lots of Great-Tailed Grackles and a few other fun things.
Crab
The sightings of the day 🙂
Great-Tailed Grackle
Mullet – this fish was 2.5 feet long!
I had two birds I really wanted to see while visiting the Gulf Coast. The first was the Roseate Spoonbill, which I did see and posted about previously. The second bird was the Crested Caracara. I have looked for this bird for years. On this trip I finally saw it. Then like my blogging friend Aussiebirder who recently commented “it takes you forever to see that lifer bird, then it seems like once you see it, you see it everywhere!” I think I saw over 10 individuals while there this last trip.
Crested Caracara
Along with the Crested Caracara I saw these other two birds I scared off a dead coyote.
Turkey Vulture
Harris’s Hawk
One day we visited Aransas Wildlife Refuge. It took about 1.5 hours to get there, but was well worth the trip. That particular day was extremely windy. The beach would have been miserable. But with all the trees at the refuge, it was a beautiful day. The very first thing we saw were 3 alligators!!! 🙂 That was awesome!
Alligator
Alligators
We drove around this large refuge and came across some fun stuff. There was this 80-foot high catwalk. It was so fun to walk that climbing, winding cawalk. At the top the views of the coastline were amazing!
Scarlett loved running up the path
My mom waving from further down the path. Such fun!
Gorgeous view!
While hiking this catwalk, we spotted a huge butterfly. It landed very briefly for one photo.
Palamedes Swallowtail
And I got a beautiful shot of a dove.
White-Winged Dove
We had a picnic in a lovely spot. A deer greeted us as we drove up. This would be one of several deer we would see that day.
White-Tailed Deer
Me and Scarlett
Beautiful picnic area
I love the oak trees in Texas
I took mom and dad out to a nice dinner for Dad’s birthday. The restaurant was small and intimate and the food was delicious.
My dad (Joe) at his birthday dinner
But our favorite place to eat was Trout Street. We ate there twice on the patio enjoying the marina view. After dinner on one visit, mom and I toured the docks. I really considered buying this yacht that was for sale (NOT!). 🙂
Mom and Dad (Dorothy and Joe)
Dad looking very nautical in his blue and white striped shirt 🙂
Me enjoying a lovely dinner on the marina
My beautiful mother!
Tempting to buy….. LOL!
One day visiting the beach we drove past a Jeep Rally. I was really wishing I was in my Jeep. But sadly we were in my dad’s Ford pickup. I need to see about Jeep Rallies in New Mexico!
Jeep Rally at the Beach
Lots of great Jeeps were there
It was a wonderful trip to the Gulf Coast!!! I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventures there.
