Monday, March 30 Laguna Atascosa and home

 Monday, March 30

73 degrees this morning.  We walk to a nearby Whataburger, a chain that was born not far from here, for coffee before heading out.  

Today we are going to Laguna Atascosa, another wildlife refuge and one we've been wanting to go to for a while.  Padre Island faces the Gulf of Mexico to its' east and Laguna Atascosa to its' west.  The wildlife refuge, founded in 1946 is on the mainland abutting the Lagoon.  

A couple of roadrunners along the roadway

Not a roadsign you see every day!

It has been in the news the past few years as home to the endangered Ocelot.  A record 22 ocelots were identified recently so it is improving. They rely on dense thorny brush for hunting and protection.  Chances of seeing one is almost nil as they are nocturnal, but I wanted to see where they live.  They also are found in South America, but are endangered there as well, mostly due to loss of habitat and being hunted for their coats.

 The only one we saw was this taxidermied one which had been killed by a car.

The refuge is also home to many birds and other animals like deer, nilgai antelope, red-headed ducks, javelina, rabbits and feral hogs.  The antelope and hogs are not native and hunting them is encouraged.

Perfect timing!  The ranger was just about to put food out at several bird blinds when we arrived.  Again binoculars were free to borrow.  We went to several of the feeding areas and saw many birds.  The first one was almost all chachalacas and they devoured the seeds!  They are one of the larger birds and didn't leave much room for others!

A few grackles were waiting for a turn!

Others spots had popular water features and feeders and drew a varied crowd.

green jays

Mostly grackles

Altamira Orioles

possibly olive sparrow?

We then walked the Mesquite Trail through tons of feathery mesquite trees.  As you go north, farmers battle to keep pastures free of mesquite.  The wood is popular for barbqueing.

Some lantana as well.

The trail ended at a small cemetery with early settlers from the late 1800's.

Next we drove a short way to the Osprey Overlook, which looks out on the lagoon.  A few water birds here and there and this very patient kingfisher that sat for a long time before diving down for a catch.

There were signs for an alligator pond but we passed on more gators.  

 Hadn't seen this sign before either.

It was about 11:00 when we went back to the Visitor's Center to return the binoculars. This family of javelina were enjoying the water feature.  There were probably 5-6 more roaming around the area, from Mom and Pop to several youngsters.  

We've been studying the map trying to figure out a good destination to spend one more night, but Greg is feeling like driving, so we head back towards home.  Hit Houston at rush hour (not recommended), but arrive safely back home before 9PM.     We find all fine,  unload a few things, eat a bit and call it a day!

1,375 miles.  Gas wasn't too outrageous down here, mostly around $3.23-$3.69.  With the war in Iran it will probably continue upward.  Friends with a diesel RV are really re-considering some trips, as it is an additional $1 or more.