Here we are a month and half after this trip and Bryan was already reminiscing about the good times we had. Which also means I'm way overdue for wrapping up this chapter. This whole trip was such a refresher for me, doing wildlife photography again. The problem was in writing these blog posts I had to spend a lot more time identifying and labeling all the great species we saw! Procrastination set in and well, we know how that goes. Nonetheless, here we are! Day 3, final day for my Rio Grande Valley adventure. (And I won't be adding species captions)
The gang rendezvoused at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in the morning. Here we struck a sweet balance of good birding AND good butterflying. There was hardly a dull moment. In fact it was quite the opposite. Like when the Chachalacas came crashing down on top of us. Bryan filmed the moment right before this happened.
The gang rendezvoused at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in the morning. Here we struck a sweet balance of good birding AND good butterflying. There was hardly a dull moment. In fact it was quite the opposite. Like when the Chachalacas came crashing down on top of us. Bryan filmed the moment right before this happened.
All was grand with bird and butterfly galore but in one instant my trip would reach its climax as Bryan spotted and caught a Texas Indigo Snake on the edge of the trail. I was kind of clueless as to what was going on but I was taking pictures anyways. If you're like me, then you probably never even knew this snake existed. The Texas Indigo Snake is a Texas threatened species due to habitat loss. These snakes are gorgeous behemoths that eat rattlesnakes. . . . Yeah, it's true, they just swallow them whole! But it makes a lot of sense really, what better snack for a snake than a snake shape? It must go down really easy.
I could tell Bryan's heart was pumping. The look on his face said it all. He was completely enamored by his find, the largest Indigo he has held, if not seen. He handed it over to Rachel for a chance to experience the glory. I initially declined to hold the beauty. but he more I watched them handle it, and Bryan assuring me they're one of the most docile snakes to come across, I gave in, and I'm grateful I did. I will never forget the experience. Holding it took my breath away. I didn't really know what to do or how to control her (I keep wanting to say her, so we'll go with her). At one point she turned towards my face and stared at me. Time froze. She had so much power and I knew she could take a giant bite of my face if she wanted to. But I trusted her. I radiated my trust and will never forget that moment, staring eye to eye with her. Bryan caught the perfect photo which I will cherish forever. Just look at the size of her! Truly magnificent creature.
I could tell Bryan's heart was pumping. The look on his face said it all. He was completely enamored by his find, the largest Indigo he has held, if not seen. He handed it over to Rachel for a chance to experience the glory. I initially declined to hold the beauty. but he more I watched them handle it, and Bryan assuring me they're one of the most docile snakes to come across, I gave in, and I'm grateful I did. I will never forget the experience. Holding it took my breath away. I didn't really know what to do or how to control her (I keep wanting to say her, so we'll go with her). At one point she turned towards my face and stared at me. Time froze. She had so much power and I knew she could take a giant bite of my face if she wanted to. But I trusted her. I radiated my trust and will never forget that moment, staring eye to eye with her. Bryan caught the perfect photo which I will cherish forever. Just look at the size of her! Truly magnificent creature.
We let the pretty lady go on her way and continued on our wildlife journey. Santa Ana has a canopy boardwalk which actually made me pretty uncomfortable but I didn't let either of them know (it's ok y'all!). The bridge was a lot less stable than I was expecting. A couple highlights were some nice looks at the always lovely Yellow-billed Cuckoo and the South Texas specialty, Groove-billed Ani. Then another birder put us on an Ani nest! Super cute little Anis. In the parking lot we heard a warbler and Bryan's expertise was a little stumped so we tracked it down for a solid 5 minutes and were surprised to see a Yellow Warbler in South Texas in June.
HERE ARE A BUNCH OF COOL BUTTERFLIES THAT BRYAN AND RACHEL WENT BANANAS FOR.
After Santa Ana we decided to wrap up our adventure with a brief visit to Estero Llano Grande State Park. If you have to pick one place to see South Texas specialties this should be on the top of your list. In such a small area there are so many great finds. I'm most happy with that Olive Sparrow image. What a cooperative bugger!
I found an orange tree and jumped really high to get a fruit. I thought it was going to be the most delicious tasting fruit of my life but it ended up being awful. Then I felt bad for wasting the orange.
I found an orange tree and jumped really high to get a fruit. I thought it was going to be the most delicious tasting fruit of my life but it ended up being awful. Then I felt bad for wasting the orange.
I just want to close by thanking Bryan and Rachel for a very memorable weekend. You two are great people and it was a privilege to finally meet and spend time together. I had such a great time and learned so much. Your hearts and minds are in the right place. Don't lose that.
<3 Stephen
<3 Stephen
p.s. OMG THOSE LONCHES WERE DELECTABLE