High Island Adventure, Part 3
Night passed too quickly, morning arrived, and off we went. On the road, a pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks took to the air, and I knew our day would be special. Our first stop: The Rookery. The sights and sounds of so many birds in their full breeding colors was breathtaking. The unearthly crackles, clacks, clucks and gurgles filled the air, as birds colored pink, white and blue danced before our eyes. Several birds were displaying, other squabbling over the best sites. A steady stream of coming and going, with twigs and battles, made for quite a show that we won't soon forget.
Roseate Spoonbills in colors so vibrant they paled everything else. The lacy plumes of Snowy and Great Egrets caught the sun, and shimmered like halos around the birds. Tri-colored Herons were decked out in the deepest purples and blues. Add the sights and sounds of Boat-tailed Grackles displaying and you get something that holds your attention and lifts your soul.
We pulled ourselves away from the vision before us, and journeyed into the woods of Smith Oaks once again. Today's offerings were warblers: Worm-eating and Prothonotary, along with a Yellow-rumped "Mrytle" Warbler. A White-winged Dove, some Cedar Waxwing and lots of Indigo Buntings were also in the area. The mosquitoes were probably the worst today. The wind was blowing through a partially cloudy sky, and they were seeking the shelter of the trees. Any unprotected piece of skin was set upon by these little tyrants with grim determination.
Anahuac NWR was still ahead, and we made the quick journey there. First stop, the rice fields just outside the refuge. From the viewing platform, both Long and Short-billed Dowitchers probed the flooded fields. White-faced Ibis, American Avocets, and Black-necked Stilts brought the air to life. The avocets with their dramatically patterned wings, and the stilts with their black on white silhouette. The ibis looked so dark, but when they turned and the sun caught their wings, they flashed deep maroon, green and red. Blue-winged Teal dabbled here and there while a Willet and a Least Sandpiper lounged on exposed mud. But time was running out quickly for some of us, and more was still ahead.
We stopped at the new visitor center at the refuge. Very nice, with lots of books to tempt us. I saw several go out the door, including a couple in my own hands. We stopped for yet another picnic lunch we had purchased at the store in Winnie. Marvin told some great jokes, and every one enjoyed themselves on the grass near the willows. But you could tell the atmosphere had changed. With Bren, Katherine, Marvin and myself separating from the group and returning to Huntsville, and the responsibilities of life, tearful good-byes were in order. I know many others stayed behind and got to bird much more than I, and some great birds were seen, including a Townsend's Warbler and Painted Redstart. The Redstart caused quiet a stir and was the talk of the entire High Island Birding community.
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