Cool Sunny Day

On the drive out to the park today I saw plenty of water in low areas. The Hill Country received its share of rain last week. Trails were on the wet side. The Falls continues it roar - heard even from the blind area. A sunrise photo taken from the headquarters with fog lining the Pedernales River valley.

Bird blind activity was brisk first thing in the morning as Orange-crowned Warblers came into the suet logs while volunteers were filling them. There is one Oregon Junco sporting a dark gray hood amongst several Dark-eyed Juncos, a Field Sparrow, a group of Chipping Sparrows, and several White-throated and Lincoln's Sparrows. One male Ruby-crowned Kinglet continues to visit the suet with his red crown evident. While at the blind a flock of 20 American Robins and 12 Cedar Waxwings came in. Spotted Towee's are prevalent as are the Western Scrub Jay, a Bewick's Wren, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Mockingbird, Black-crested Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Lesser & American Goldfinches and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers.

An American Kestrel continues to hangout in the park. Hopefully this individual will find a new kestrel nestbox, erected behind the bird blinds, a great place to stay and breed.