Most birders come to Texas during the winter months or April. Given the hot humid summer weather and fewer numbers of birds, I can’t blame them. Nevertheless, there is plenty to see in south Texas at any time of the year, including the muggy days of July. On a recent trip to Laguna Atascosa, I was entertained by a nice variety of birds and other wildlife.

A curious Nilgai.

A curious female Nilgai. Native to India, this introduced antelope species has become established in various parts of southern Texas.

This is a good time of year to see young animals, including juvenile raptors.

Two adult Crested Caracaras and a juvenile.

Two adult Crested Caracaras and a juvenile.

The juvenile in the picture above can be recognized by its buffy chest and grayish bill. Overall, it’s duller than the orange-billed adults.

A close shot of a Crested Caracaras face.

A close shot of the face of an adult Crested Caracara.

Birds can also be seen with food in their bills as they forage to feed their youngsters.

A Long-billed Thrasher with food for its young.

A Curve-billed Thrasher with food for its young.

As always, water acts as a bird magnet in the arid scrublands of south Texas. If you can stand the heat, patiently waiting by a water drip usually results in good shots of birds and whatever else comes in for a drink.

A Common Ground Dove coming in for a drink.

A Common Ground Dove coming in for a drink.

The Common Ground Dove is a beautiful, sparrow-sized dove. In certain lighting, their red bill almost looks as if it’s made of plastic. Mourning Doves also show up at water sources and are a fairly common sight in many areas.

Mourning Doves are named after their mournful sounding cooing calls.

Mourning Doves are named after their mournful sounding cooing calls.

Sometimes, a Javelina makes a sudden appearance.

Our only native wild pig, the Javelina.

Our only native wild pig, the Javelina.

Also known as the Collared Peccary, this wild pig is a tough character that frequents brushy habitats. The Texas Tortoise is a lot more docile and easier to photograph.

Texas Tortoise.

Texas Tortoise.

Not all birds rely on water for bathing. Many also take dust baths and seem to enjoy the experience very much!

A hapyp, dust-bathing Long-billed Thrasher.

A happy, dust-bathing Long-billed Thrasher.

There’s lots of wildlife to see in Texas no matter when you visit!

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