After birding at Goose Island State Park, we had to try to see the Aplomado Falcons at Mustang Island State Park. Ten years ago, we had added one it to our life bird list, a bird we had spotted at Laguna Acosta National Wildlife Refuge, but not a picture.
So, we headed over to Port Aransas, with our friends Barb and Dan, (thanks for driving). They are great birders and wanted to add the Falcon to their life list. Crossing the Ferry, we turned south from Port A. As we neared the park, we spotted one of the special man-made nests and a flying bird. It was too far away to get a picture or an Id.
Deciding to check with the park headquarters, we learned that one had been spotted hunting by a church a few miles further south. Nearing the church, we saw a bird on one of the nests. It was an Aplomado Falcon, and close enough, about one hundred and fifty yards, for a positive id and a picture!
We watched the bird and then drove down a park road that got us a little closer.
As we watched the bird, another arrived and landed on the top of a tall utility pole.
The one on the nest then flew up and joined it’s mate! After watching for prey, they both flew off together,
(a pair will often hunt together with one flushing and distracting their prey while the other pounced for the kill). If you see a bird with pointed wings and a long narrow tail, it's a falcon, usually a Perigrine or Prairie falcon.
Deciding to stop at the Leorna Turnbill Birding Center, we walked out on the boardwalk. The flamingo wasn’t there, but a flock of Avocets were sleeping in the same spot as last month. Now they were adorned with their blooming plumage.
Heading back to our rv park we talked about how lucky we had been to spot the Aplomado Falcons.
It was a great day!
Clear skies
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