Saturday, April 7, 2018

The Joys of Travel

Spring Migration. For the past week, we have been enjoying chasing the new species that are arriving daily.  We have been happy to see the Orchard and the Bullocks Oriole, the Summer Tanager, the Northern Parula and the Hooded Warbler, and the wonderful Painted Buntings and Indigo Bunting to name several we have seen so far. Pictures of some of the sightings.

The Orchard Oriole

The Sora

Eastern Screech Owl

Bullocks Oriole

Hooded Warbler (male)

The Least Bittern

The shy Painted Bunting in the grass

Great-tailed Grackle (one of Latona's favorites)

We watch the weather daily, and listen to the experts and head to South Padre Island on what might be a good day. We wait with the many bird watchers and photographers and anticipate the treasures that may appear.  Tomorrow is another birding day ...yippee!

Beach Clean-up We went to,the Turtle Inc presentation the other day and heard about a volunteer chance to help clean the beach.  We joined into the activity and had a good experience. Each time I picked up something, I rejoiced for the turtle trying to build her nest in the area, and the little babies that would emerge in about two months.

Beach Cleaning in Anticipation of Turtle Nesting Season

Birds migrating over our heads.

Some of the other "cleaners"
We were some of the older folks in the group.😄

Texas Onion Festival In March we had another opportunity to visit a Texas festival...the Texas Onion Festival!

Mariachi musicians - this group was made up woman who are also teachers. Very good!

Andalusian Horse that was part of the horse show at the Onion Fest.




Easter Celebration in Texas

The blooming of all the flowers has been part of our celebration. Prickly pear bouquet!

Prickly Pear flower

Wild,or,Mexican Olive

Lantana

Retama

Coral Bean

Pink/red Prickly pear

Orange Prickly Pear


GratitudeLatona and I are very grateful for all the beauty and joy of our lives. Perhaps the gifts we cherish the most are the wonderful friends who share our journey.  These sweet friends came for a visit this winter, and we want to celebrate them and the times we shared.

Tracy and Cindy

Cathryn, Patti and Latona

Soon, we too will be heading north.  We are looking forward to so many things as we "migrate"
back to family and friends.  Most of all, we look  forward to being with YOU!