Sunday Birding

Yesterday (Sunday) I went back to Sabine Woods. It's getting late in the season, and migration is definitely winding down. Numbers have greatly diminished, but there were still a few birds around. At least Swainson's Thrushes were plentiful. The only parulids seen were Tennessee, Chestnut-sided, and Bay-breasted Warblers; American Redstart; and Northern Waterthrush. Other birds seen included Bank Swallows, Veery, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Summer & Scarlet Tanagers, and a female Indigo Bunting. But my most exciting find was a 3-4 foot-long Speckled Kingsnake.

After leaving Sabine Woods I went to Sea Rim State Park. Didn't see much in the willows...just a Black-and-White Warbler and a Northern Waterthrush or two. Walked the Gambusia Nature Trail (a good place to view alligators). Birds seen included a Least Bittern (flying away, as usual), Tricolored Herons, Black & Least Terns, Orchard Oriole, and Boat-tailed Grackles.

Later on Hillary and I got together, and we went to Sartins in Beaumont for dinner. Sartin's is a greasy seafood place with rolls of paper towels on the tables and a predominantly redneck clientele...Their motto is "We've Got The Crabs." Last night the place was packed and the trailer park was empty. After getting stuffed we rented a movie and sort of watched it. Just another day in paradise...