March 23, 2022
It was pitch black when I arrived at Platt Lane in the morning. I stood in front of a tractor and mumbled, “Up before the dawn,” to myself like I’d heard in so many country songs. The sun inched above the horizon until a glow enveloped the landscape and birdsong came to life.
A lush path called the River Trail develops at the very end of Platt Lane, gently guiding visitors into a songbird paradise. The trail spans about three miles and leads to Hornsby Bend, another rewarding birding spot. Dozens of Ruby-crowned Kinglets bounced around at the trail’s entrance, conducting their morning duties.
I watched the kinglets for a while, my eyes zigzagging from branch to branch. A male paused briefly to preen, exposing his ruby crown and orange feet. Thanks for the peek, kinglet! I also caught a glimpse of an angelic-looking White-eyed Vireo which happened to be a…
…lifer!
It wouldn’t be right for two reasons if I didn’t include a photo of a Northern Mockingbird. One, it’s the state bird of Texas, and two, they lit up the entire length of the River Trail with their melodic calls.
Northern Cardinals also had a strong presence on the trail. Both males and females were conspicuous with their red plumage and echoing chirps. I find it impossible to choose a favorite between the two sexes, the male with his blanket of red feathers and the female with her red highlights and white rump.
Now for a little sparrow talk…
I knew right away the Clay-colored Sparrow above was a new bird for my life list. Its distinct facial pattern, buffy breast, and gray nape are unlike any other sparrow I’ve seen.
Meanwhile, this Vesper Sparrow looked like a little flower child surrounded by those pops of yellow.
Things started getting juicy right as I thought about leaving. Nothing like a bird-induced adrenaline rush when you’re running out of steam!
I cheated and drove to Hornsby Bend instead of taking River Trail all the way there. Depleted of energy, my attempt at birding Hornsby Bend was halfhearted. I got in my car with every intention of leaving but instead made one last stop at the Hornsby Bend Center for Environmental Research building. I saw someone birding the outskirts of the building months ago and had been intrigued ever since.
Right away, my eyes were drawn to dozens of Purple Martins splashing around in a puddle. Over the course of an hour, they made countless trips from “the puddle” to their nest gourds. A female sat nuzzled in a gourd with her head poking out as a male landed on their front stoop. I sat and watched in bliss.
I’ve wanted to see a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher for years but have never been at the right place at the right time. Like a tornado blowing through, a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher landed on a perch next to where I was sitting watching the Purple Martins. I’m pretty sure I didn’t breathe for a whole five minutes trying to keep the camera steady as I took photos. The flycatcher didn’t stay long, chasing after a butterfly in acrobatic flight.
Driving down the interstate on my way home, I saw a large bird in the same tree I’d seen a Crested Caracara earlier that day. I pulled over in a panic and pulled out my binoculars. A Crested Caracara was perched gloriously, this time in much closer proximity. Did I get honked at? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes. I didn’t leave with the sharpest photo, but being able to make out his red eye and bright, chunky beak was a win.
Afternote:
I had no idea armadillos roamed around Texas in abundance. I could hardly believe my eyes the first time I saw one waddling around. They’re cute as it is, but those floppy ears put them over the top.
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Gone Birdin' 