Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Gulf Waters RV Resort — Port Aransas, Texas
Temps: Hi 85F (29C) / Lo 76F (24C)
We’re still here … alive and well at our GWRVR pad in Port Aransas.
The expected cold front has been and gone … enjoyed nice fall temps with no humidity to speak of while it lasted. Summer-like temps have since resumed, but with nice breezes most days making it tolerable. We’ve certainly been able to sit on the patio to enjoy peaceful sunset colors and reflections on the pond.
I’ve even managed to sit in my “outdoor office” to get some research done for upcoming travels and write about past travels. And here I am in my “office” again, writing about a quickie outing we made after lunch with friends at our favorite Mexican restaurant in town today.
This “office” gets the creative juices going and inspires me to write.
Paradise Pond, which sits behind San Juan Restaurant, is one of the places in Port A where birds and waterfowl congregate. I usually stop by a few times in the spring — not always with a camera — to see who’s visiting. It’s always alive with feathered-friends then … especially in the early morning and evening. Fall is a quieter time … even more so mid-day, but we were so close to Paradise Pond that it seemed a shame not to at least take a peek.
This black-capped night heron is focused on something in the brush and pays me
no heed … doesn’t even turn his head for a photo op even though I linger awhile.
Sure enough, I didn’t see much in the way of birdlife — but mallards were aplenty. I enjoyed a few quiet moments anyway since I was the only human visitor … not always the case.
Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks
You might think this is a photo of two oil-rigs, but it isn’t. They just happen to get in
the way of my photo of a couple of mallards and a green heron … can you find them?
 |  |
One of these two photos of mallards includes a green heron. Can you find it?
I did say mallards were aplenty. The ones in the back are displaying “position A” … as a
guide in Alaska once described some waterfowl we saw similarly scavenging in a pond.
Least Grebe
If this white ibis is striking a ballet pose to attract my attention, he’s succeeding!
White ibis fluffing his feathers to dry off after his bath.
I’ll try to get to some of the Port A wildlife refuges in the weeks ahead to see what I can see.
© 2004-2016 Two to Travel's Phaeton Journeys. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED by ERIN ERKUN.
I love how the night herons let us get so close. I got closer to them in my kayak than any other bird. I finally did see the heron, but looking forward to getting back to the big screen instead of the phone so I can really enjoy your photos. I do love the office
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you've slowed down and are getting some rest after all your world traveling, the birds have missed you (as have we, too!). :cD
ReplyDeleteThe night heron makes another appearance in a picture I posted here ... forgot to ask everyone to "find it." 🙄
ReplyDeleteI now have a new term: "position A" to describe the ducks I watch:)
ReplyDeletebeautiful pictures as per usual, but what is the green slime on the water?
ReplyDeleteKristine, I believe it is duckweed. But perhaps someone more knowledgeable will pipe up if that's not the case.
ReplyDeleteI swear, Erin, your photos make green slime look good!! Love the ducks!!
ReplyDeleteErin, the date on the post is March, in case you haven't noticed it. Great to see you all back.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from you. What a gorgeous view you have in that first picture. I assume you've sent your "office" picture back to former coworkers to make then swoon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the catch, Doug. Fixed it.
ReplyDeleteI just love that office with a view.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even see the oil rigs...hehe
Always enjoy looking at bird pics. And, of course, your "office" photo is a classic! I didn't see any yummy nibbles on your work table, tho!
ReplyDeleteNickie ... trying very hard not to nibble :-)
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is spectacular! Glad to see you're finally relaxing.
ReplyDelete