Texas - Day 2

Our first of the long drives, around 4 hours. On the way we stopped off at Aransas National Wildlife Refuse, where we were warmly welcome by the sun to cheer us up after the long drive. After signing in, instead of getting straight back in the car we decided to go on a short walked around the center, where we found a number of small flowers with vibrant colors.

A lot of these flowers  were thistles which were attacting swallowtail butterflies.One thistle had attracted up to 7!! We had stood there taking photos for 5 minutes when suddenly all the males flew off leaving only 2 females.

Swallowtail Butterflies - Papilionidae

After a quick walk around the center we got into the car and made our way around the refuse, seeing a number of different species including Belted Kingfisher, Greater Yellowlegs and a pair of Racoons which crossed the road in front of the car.

g

Greater Yellowlegs - Tringa melanoleuca

We also saw some of the same species as yesterday such as the Great Egret and the Great Blue Heron.

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias

Along with a number different raptors to add to our bird list including a  Red-tailed Hawk.

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis

The Pier at Aransas National Wildlife Refuse

After our drive around the refuge we headed down to Rockport to check into our next hotel, after which we headed down to the waterfront to find somewhere to eat. Just as we had gone through the main part of Rockport we noticed a pier on which there were several in different birds including white pelicans and an Osprey. We pulled over and both grabbed our cameras and started snapping. Other birds there included Redheads and a Great Blue Heron.

g

Osprey - Pandion haliaetus

Male Redhead - Aythya americana

Female Redhead - Aythya americana

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias