394

 

That’s how many bird species we had for the year when we got home from our trip the first of November this year.  I want to make it to 400 by the end of the year.  Seems simple enough; only 6 more birds.  Problem is, we’ve already spent most of the year here and have seen most every bird available in our part of Texas.

 

After 3 weeks and no new birds, we went out after a specific Sprague’s Pipit at Anzalduas County Park and got it!  395.  Then nothing.  No more.  It got to be late November and no new birds.  On Thanksgiving Day, a red-legged honeycreeper was spotted at Estero Llano Grande State Park.  We went to look for it on Friday.  It was still there somewhere but we missed it.  Other people saw it.  I went back for a stakeout all afternoon Saturday.  The last time it was seen was Saturday morning before I got there.  I went back Sunday morning for an all day stakeout.  Nothing.  The last time it was seen was still Saturday morning.  As far as I know it hasn’t been seen again.  Still at 395.

 

Got serious this last weekend.  Figured out specific target birds.  Drove west to some grasslands on Saturday in search of a grasshopper sparrow and got one!  Got several in fact.  396.  Devoted Sunday to the Aplomado Falcon.  Drove to all the best Aplomado Falcon spots out by the coast.  Lots of birds.  Nice day.  No falcons.  Stuck at 396.

 

Now, in December, we’re on a trip to Dallas by car.  An overnight stop in Corpus Christi presents an opportunity for a Lesser Black-backed Gull.  Jon told us right where to find it.  Drove out and there it was.  397.  It helps to have friends help.

 

Only three more birds to go.  How hard could that be, getting three more birds?

 

Chinese food with Russ and Glenna in Corpus Christi tonight.  They drove out from the island to meet us.

 

A poorly lit picture, but it was great catching up.