I have spent four of the past six days trying to photograph Green Kingfishers at Sabal Palm Sanctuary in Brownsville. There have been some long waits but I have also had some success.
Success!
A side view of the same male with a small fish in its bill.
Although the kingfishers eventually showed, there haven’t been many other birds. Instead of birds, I have seen a lot of insects, especially butterflies. Thanks to a mild December and abundant autumn rains, the Lower Valley has been really good for bugs and butterflies.
This grasshopper was interesting, especially at close range.
At Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen, I saw a particularly beautiful butterfly, the Crimson Patch.
Crimson Patch.
The beautiful Crimson Patch is a tropical species that is rare in south Texas. This was the first I have even seen and was one of three that were present at Harlingen.
I also had a Blue Metalmark, another rare butterfly.
I didn’t see many birds at Ramsey, but the butterflies, abundant Texas lantana and beautiful landscaping made it a great place to spend a few hours.
Honeybees were also visiting the Lantana.
There were lots of Ladybugs in the area.
Spiders with interesting webs were also present.
I hope everyone has the best Christmas ever!
-Steve