Warmer weather encourages us to get out. We take the short ferry ride across to Port Aransas on Mustang Island. Paradise Pond is our destination.
Many others have had the same idea and gather around the opening to the boardwalk. I look for what has caught their attention and spot a bird rapidly flitting about some fallen logs.
“Acts like a nuthatch,” Ric says, but I know what this is. I saw one last year, but was unable to get its photo. A Black and White Warbler!
Isn’t his pattern outstanding! If you look closer, there is a smorgasbord of small flies that he is feasting on.
I break from the crowd and spot several groupings of turtles, amongst them many small ones. A sure sign of spring.
Two ibises float in and land within the thick tangle of fallen branches. The closest one to me is sporting his breeding colours. It’s exciting to be here at this time of year.
I also spot Blue-Winged Teals, a Pied-Billed Grebe, the local Yellow-Rumped Warbler and many grackles. Then Ric flags me over. People have gathered around him and he points to a low branch near the slimy water.
A bright yellow-orange bird lights up the area.
“What is it?” I ask raising my lens.
“A Prothonotary Warbler,” someone responds.
Definitely a first for me!
Before we leave the Whistling Ducks show up, and the Great Egret makes a show of grooming himself, flaunting his breeding allure.
What a great outing, and this is only the first stop!
One Woman's Quest II 
What beautiful birds!
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Thanks.
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You are very welcome
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WOW to your two warbler photos – I’ve yet to see either of those! Gotta get some time down on the coast … !!
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You do. And definitely visit the Paradise Pond in Port A.
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WOW, that yellow is Bright!!
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It sure is.
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Seems like it would be hard to “camouflage” unless it sits by a bright yellow flower?
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No camouflage for this cutie!
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My maternal streak was showing–fretting that he/she would pay dearly for being “bright”! 🙂
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I know! They don’t sit still very long though.
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Oh that’s a relief 🙂
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Lovely shots.
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Thanks.
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More great photos. So many warblers. These two I didn’t know. I love the black and white.
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We are in a migration zone – so many different birds passing through here.
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Wonderful! We’ve just started hearing the geese this week. Can’t wait for more of the birds to start arriving!
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Sounds wonderful!
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It truly is. Thank you.
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