There is one area along the island highway that I've always driven by and vowed each time to stop and walk the 'trail' on the way back....but never have, until last month. It was a cloudy, windy, overcast day and I thought that this would be a good time to explore the section of land 'cause the snakes would be huddled up in some cavity keeping warm and out of the cold wind. I have a method to my madness. lol
Anyway, the area is all part of the state park, Mustang State Park...it's called Packery Flats. Not to be confused with Packery Channel Park that is on the other side of the bridge that crosses the channel....but not the same bridge in the photo seen below [a 2nd water crossing of the channel, not the causeway].
I didn't expect to see many birds that day 'cause of the weather AND the migrants have, for the most part, left for the north and breeding grounds. But, as I walked the flats, I did spy a few year 'round residents. A couple of tri colored herons, a willet, and a white morph reddish egret...
...the area, being right on sea level for the most part, when it rains heavily, which we had several flooding storms in mid-May, the 'flats' fill with water and become areas that the birds flock to in search of food. The following images are what the scenery looked like ahead of me as I walked. The photo of the bridge in the distance is JFK Causeway. The causeway crosses the intercoastal 'salt water stream' from Brownsville Texas to Galveston Texas. If you were to want to go to the islands from Corpus Christi, this is the only way ---by crossing the bridge...
Hi Anni, it is me, back for a visit...still hobbling around, making my way, what can I say ;) Hope that you are doing well. I love that you have such a variety of birds down your way in Texas. For the most part we have just the locals for now and in the deep woods where I live, you hear them, more often than view them. I have until July 11 before I can bare any weight on my right leg, so it is rather quiet for me at this moment. Hugs to you~
ReplyDeleteHi Mary....long time no see....
DeleteJust take the time needed to heal so nothing bad will happen later on.
Nice capture of the egrets, Anni. And I like that cool bridge! :-)
ReplyDeleteI used to fret having to drive over it...but being there just about every day going to the islands...it's a piece of cake now. lol
DeleteI am a huge fan of willets. I love to watch them on the beach... you took a gray day and made it a happy day.. ha ha on the snakes in the caves and out of your way... beautiful bridge.
ReplyDeleteI really hate snakes. lol
DeleteYour trip was well worth it! These birds are all new to me! So of course I loved looking! I have never heard of a tri-colored. We mostly ave the great blue and white. It is awesome!! And your last picture is moody and beautiful. It would make a good wall hanging. Happy Sunday from one bird brain to another!
ReplyDeleteLOL on the two birdbrains...you and me, we are birds of a feather...right? Glad you enjoyed all this today Ginny.
DeleteI just noticed your heart attack page and went straight to it. How scary!! I am so glad you are alive and well. You know why they keep the O.R. so cold? So germs and bacteria cannot grow. It is freezing in there!
ReplyDeleteBeing so cold is one of the stronger memories of the whole experience. Thanks so much for the support and good, happy words for me to read. Hugs.
DeleteIt may have been a cloudy day but looks like you made the best of it. Love the picture of the bridge.
ReplyDeletecloudy....equals....not too hot outside! LOL
DeleteI admire your energy and determination to do so much walking!
ReplyDeleteWalking, if I can...not only gives me exercise, but it's always so peaceful and I can be quiet in my own thoughts.
DeleteWonderful coastal walk, Anni! Glad you finally did it. Yep, the Trader Joe's on Oracle. I am just "barely" back, but hoping to hang in there till I am settled in to my new home and have time to explore and photograph like crazy! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI shopped there often!!
DeleteHey...read about Phoenix and the soaring temps....stay cool!!!
ANNI YOU HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO WALK AND BIRD WATCH.
ReplyDeletePACKERY FLATS IS A CATCHY NAME TOO
HUGS MADI AND MOM
I kinda liked the name too. Didn't know the area was even NAMED 'til I actually stopped there. lol
DeleteLooks like a lovely place to explore. (Minus the snakes!)
ReplyDeleteexactly....I really, really hate snakes.
DeleteGoodness, that looks like such a great place to walk and I used to love seeing the egrets when I lived in Charleston, S.C. Great pictures of the birds and that huge bridge too. Bet that was a nice walk.
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice place. There are so many areas to stop and enjoy nature.
DeleteWonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a place ~ so glad you stopped and got such great photos!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Week ~ ^_^
Thanks Carol.
DeleteGreat photos of a very interesting area and of course the water birds are especially great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick...welcome back to blogging.
DeleteGreat birds, great spot, great memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sallie
DeleteI love these walks with you - the birds are so wonderful - and all that water is, too! The bridge is amazing! (I love bridges :) x Karen
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it Karen.
DeleteWhat a cool place - and such beautimous birds! ;o)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure by now tho, it's dried up quite a bit...but until next rainy season, I'll return often.
DeleteNice photos. I like to see the a willet. Nice area!
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of the bridge!
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the extra info as it is not a part of the country I have been to...Michelle
ReplyDelete