Two weekends ago, we decided to make another trip to Galveston. It was a good time to see some migratory birds that stop there before embarking on a long trip across the gulf of Mexico.
We set out at about noon after a quick lunch. Traffic was heavy and as we approached Galveston, we decided to visit the Texas City dike. The sign always greets us as we drive to the island and it was time to go check out another small town that we had never been to before. A short drive later, the dike lay ahead of us. After the entry fee of $5 was paid, we drove slowly on the dike that seemed to be a popular fishing and picnicking spot for a lot of sun loving people.
The Oystercatcher is a quiet bird with a long, bright orange beak that is uses to feed on oysters, mussels and clams. It kept a close eye on how close I was getting. I didn't get ruffle any feathers and stayed where I was.
The American Avocet with adult plumage. Another bird with yet another fascinating beak.
I had seen least terns before, I got to see two more, Forster's Tern (orange and black bill) and Sandwich Tern (black and yellow bill)
A little further, there was this sculpture of an Indian on a horse, looking skyward with both his arms outstretched, spear in hand. It is called Somewhere on the Trail by David Govedare. It was dedicated on October 19, 1999, and I am still trying to find the story behind it.
This sculpture of three arrows soon after the previous one was intriguing. I have not been able to gather much information about it yet.
It was a beautiful day and people were taking full advantage of it.
On the way back from the dike and heading to Galveston, I saw this white horse grazing lazily on the side of the road with three cattle egret for company.
The next stop right after this was Lafitte's cove at Galveston. I like how this little paradise is nestled in the midst of so many homes. Just as I started to walk towards the wooded area, in the pond was White-faced Ibis (lifer) and two Black-necked Stilts.
As I turned the corner, there were other birders who pointed out a Rose-breasted Grosbeak to me. From this point on, all the birds I saw at the reserve were lifers, much to my delight!
These Warblers- Black-and-White, Blackburnian, and Magnolia and also the Tanager pair made the visit worthwhile.
We stopped for some dinner on the seawall after all the birding and headed back home.
We set out at about noon after a quick lunch. Traffic was heavy and as we approached Galveston, we decided to visit the Texas City dike. The sign always greets us as we drive to the island and it was time to go check out another small town that we had never been to before. A short drive later, the dike lay ahead of us. After the entry fee of $5 was paid, we drove slowly on the dike that seemed to be a popular fishing and picnicking spot for a lot of sun loving people.
Some of the birds that I was looking out for on the dike were the skimmers, Oystercatcher, and terns. None of them disappointed, and I was even treated to a small flock of American Avocets.
These skimmers were in large numbers, and after spending some time watching them, I was rewarded with catching them in action. Skimmers have an interesting beak, with the lower mandible being longer than the upper. Their feeding habit is peculiar as they hover over water with just their lower mandible skimming the water for small fish.
The Oystercatcher is a quiet bird with a long, bright orange beak that is uses to feed on oysters, mussels and clams. It kept a close eye on how close I was getting. I didn't get ruffle any feathers and stayed where I was.
The American Avocet with adult plumage. Another bird with yet another fascinating beak.
I had seen least terns before, I got to see two more, Forster's Tern (orange and black bill) and Sandwich Tern (black and yellow bill)
After spending over an hour on the dike, we headed back. This road called Skyline drive on the left, running along the sea caught our attention and we decided to check it out. It was a good decision. The views were beautiful with spring meadows on the hillside.
In this perfect setting, I was delighted to find a lighthouse. There used to be a lighthouse in the Galveston bay called the Half Moon Shoal Lighthouse which was destroyed in the big storm of 1900. Eventually, it was rebuilt in 1902. This one is a replica of it and it stands near the base of the Texas City dike, on Skyline Drive in the Bay St. Park. Being a lighthouse aficionado, I thought this find was very interesting.
A little further, there was this sculpture of an Indian on a horse, looking skyward with both his arms outstretched, spear in hand. It is called Somewhere on the Trail by David Govedare. It was dedicated on October 19, 1999, and I am still trying to find the story behind it.
This sculpture of three arrows soon after the previous one was intriguing. I have not been able to gather much information about it yet.
It was a beautiful day and people were taking full advantage of it.
On the way back from the dike and heading to Galveston, I saw this white horse grazing lazily on the side of the road with three cattle egret for company.
The next stop right after this was Lafitte's cove at Galveston. I like how this little paradise is nestled in the midst of so many homes. Just as I started to walk towards the wooded area, in the pond was White-faced Ibis (lifer) and two Black-necked Stilts.
As I turned the corner, there were other birders who pointed out a Rose-breasted Grosbeak to me. From this point on, all the birds I saw at the reserve were lifers, much to my delight!
These Warblers- Black-and-White, Blackburnian, and Magnolia and also the Tanager pair made the visit worthwhile.
We stopped for some dinner on the seawall after all the birding and headed back home.
Wow!so much variety...it must be birders Paradise... The light house is quite unique. A little less high.
ReplyDeleteYes, since it (the lighthouse) is a replica of the original.
DeleteApril/September-October is the month when you get to see a lot of birds because the migratory route is through here.
That was a great adventure in birding! Thanks for the travelogue!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy!
Delete