Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

The Woman wanted to see The Shape of Water, and the only place within 200 miles it was showing was in Harlingen. So, since it was foggy and windy we headed there, planning to visit Hugh Ramsey Nature Park while there. As the Woman’s cousin Diane assured, the very first thing we saw on arrival was a wild Javelina eating the seed the birds have scattered below the feeder. He darted away when we neared the bird feeders, but we got a great look at him.

We decided to head down the Hummingbird Trail in case they weren’t too scared off by the cold and wind. As soon as we entered, we spotted this Buff Bellied Hummingbird. The Buff Bellied Hummingbird winter on the Texas gulf coast, and some even apparently are year-round residents. We had seen very few hummingbirds while here, so watching this guy feed at leisure was a bonus!

It was supposed to be warm most of the day, but it turned cold so fast we did not bring enough layers. The first time we visited the primary blind we saw only a few visitors. But while we were hiking the trails, a docent showed up and apparently restocked the feeders. When we returned, we hit the bonanza. We sat down and were immediately surrounded by Green Jays, Chachalacas, Hooded Orioles, Kiskadees, Warblers, female Northern Cardinals, and a plethora of other great birds. But I was most pleased when I learned that the female Northern Cardinal had a partner!

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park has the reputation of being one of the only locations in costal Texas where the Whistling Duck can be seen. The Woman’s cousin, Diane, had not spotted any when she was here, but gave us clear instructions on what to look for. Thanks to her help we were able to identify this guy right off.

Talk to you soon!