The wind has abated, and the weather is spectacular, though a little bit chilly in the morning with temperatures in the low 50s.

The highlight of the day was a birding trip to Salaneno with Jerry and Karen Smith. Salome know is located on the Rio Grande River just south of Falcon Lake.  This is west and slightly north of us, about 45 miles. Last year, birding was spectacular as Salome know; bird feeding stations have been established in a clearing, and otherwise densely vegetated area, complete with chairs and places to stand with camera and tripod. However, new owners of the property became concerned about liability issues because the area is so close to the border, and closed it down. Now, feeding is done along the narrow path/trail near the Rio Grande River, on US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge property. It is much more difficult to photograph birds in the new location, and they are not as plentiful. We were, however, able to see both the Altamira and Audubon Orioles (the Audubon Oriole was too elusive to photograph), as well as a number of other species (Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow are shown in the photographs) we had seen previously at other locations. On our return to BPVRV Resort, we spotted a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on a power line adjacent to the highway, my first for the year. Birds of this species frequent Quarry Park just below Norfork Dam.

Tonight, we played our last bridge in the clubhouse for the season, but hopefully we’ll get in a game or two with Al and Sharon before we depart for home next week.

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