We headed to McAllen for a fun filled day now that the sun
has returned to the Texas Gulf Coast. Our main focus was Quinta Mazatlán, part
of the World Birding Center. A Spanish Revival Style mansion built in 1935,
this 10,000 square-foot residence is one of the largest adobe structures in
Texas. 
While much of the original estate has been developed, about
15 acres of the original grounds serve as an urban birding habitat literally 2
miles from the center of downtown McAllen. Since we missed our usual birding
haunts in Port Aransas, we were eager to get here to maybe get a gander at
something new. This Great Kiskadee greeted us first, a bird that we had not seen
before today – bonus!
The second bird we spotted was a Chachalaca. The docent told
us that the Chachalaca is related to the Road Runner. A large chicken-like bird
of Mexico and Central America, the Plain Chachalaca is the only of its species
to reach American soil, and only in far southern Texas. The name of this bird
comes from its loud, raucous calls which early inhabitants thought sounded like
chattering.
We were told that a bunch of birders were hanging around the
grounds to catch a glimpse of the Green-breasted Mango, an apparently elusive
variety of hummingbird. It had been spotted on December 6 here, and a platoon
has 
arrived daily to score a sighting, with no luck since then. We did however
get a great look at several Green Jays. When we let the docent know what we had
spotted, she let us know that the Green Jay was the official bird of the City
of McAllen.
arrived daily to score a sighting, with no luck since then. We did however
get a great look at several Green Jays. When we let the docent know what we had
spotted, she let us know that the Green Jay was the official bird of the City
of McAllen.
As another bonus, we got treated to a bit of Vegas. It turns
out that one of the traveling Cirque du Soliel shows, Varekai, was playing at
the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo Texas. Luckily, the arena was only a 10-minute
drive from Quinta Mazatlán, so we coupled the visits together and made a day of
it. Taking in a very authentic lunch in downtown McAllen at Maria’s, this outstanding
Cirque performance brought a fitting end to a special day.
Talk to you soon!
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