Black-capped Vireo + Morelet's Seedeater = 500!

March 26

After a full day of guiding Kristin and Ally from the Carolinas (highlights of the day included a female Crimson-collared Grosbeak, an adult male Bullock's Oriole, and the continuing female Elegant Trogon), we were about to part ways when a text alert about a Black-capped Vireo at the very far end of Estero Llano Grande State Park came through. These girls had already walked more than nine miles with me, and the temperature was nearing 90, the hottest day of the spring so far. 

I quickly explained the situation to them, stating that this is a very rare bird for the area, and not only a needed year bird, but also a life bird for me. I offered for them to join me if desired - but the situation would change - I'm no longer their guide, and they're tagging along on my journey! Despite being very tired, they both perked up and decided to join for the additional two miles. We hiked our butts over to the far side of the Camino de Aves Trail; well, I'll admit to running the last section! Javier, John, and some other park staff and volunteers were already in the area, and within ten minutes of our arrival, we refound the bird again! 

Black-capped Vireo at Estero State Park 

Year List: 499

March 27

A morning upriver at Salineno Preserve turned up a heard-only Morelet's Seedeater in the reeds near the boat ramp, then it quickly vanished (immigrated to Mexico, maybe). Many of the usual good birds for this site were still present - a few Audubon's Oriole's, Hooded Orioles, Gray Hawk, Green and Ringed Kingfishers. Red-billed Pigeons seem to have been exceptionally scarce since the deep freeze 

we had in February. 

The beautiful view at Salineno, looking into Mexico

In the evening, I met up with Kristin and Ally briefly, to visit the Elf Owls nesting at Bentsen State Park. One popped its head out of the cavity in the telephone pole, and the other was calling from a nearby tree. 

 At some point, the previous day, Kristin had commented on the Birdie I had affixed to my belt loop, and said she had one too, that she used for running. I told them about my project, and gave Ally the alarm on my hip. 

Kristin proceeded to tell me that she had originally planned to do this trip to the Rio Grande Valley solo, but her husband was very concerned with her safety, so she had asked Ally to join. They told me that they had picked me, out of the list of bird guides in the area, because I was a woman and they figured they'd be more comfortable with a woman. 

Birding with Kristin (left) and Ally (center) at Bentsen State Park 

I'd love to hear from the women: In what ways have the safety concerns associated with gender affected your birding plans? 

Year List: 500