Can this really be January?

Weather is beautiful, 85, sunny with a bit of wind and of course a nice dose of humidity.  Between the smells and weather I have been reminded of Costa Rica.  I really think a lot has to do with the burning of the sugar cane fields.  When we volunteered in Costa Rica we cut and processed sugar cane.  they have been burning sugar cane fields this week pretty close to the refuge.

We went for a bike ride on Thursday morning, found some kale and sugar cane on the road.  we made the kale with some sausage for dinner.  turns out is was very good.

 

Lunch was at a local place.  Eric had the plate special, mine was the enchilada suizas (not as pretty so did not take a picture).

as usual too much food.

off to the Edinburg Wetlands to look for a few new birds.  found one, the lesser goldfinch.  also a pair of common moorhens. Ran into Butterfly Mike from Santa Ana.

Friday started out very nice but became very windy by late afternoon.  We jogged and biked then went bird watching.  Lunch at

Eric had the Fajitas and I the tacos.

they were both pretty good but we don’t need to repeat this place.

headed to the Frontera Audubon to look for more birds.  We did see a bird or two that we could not identify.  it was a very pleasant afternoon walking around the grounds.  ran into the “hawk man”, he was on the levy counting the migrating birds last March.

we think this is a red eared turtle.

he had a red mark where you would think the ear is…

finished off the pickled Northern that cousin Rose gave us last fall.  thanks Rose!

Saturday was Santa Ana WLR 70th birthday party.  we went there to help set up, took about 2 hours.  left there and went to the Nursery to fix our sun screen and water the plants.

headed to:

which is right on the Rio Grande in fact at this spot if you look NORTH you will be looking at Mexico!

it was a very nice park, great afternoon walking around and looking for birds.  Lunch was at BJ’s Brewhouse.  too hungry to take pictures.  but both of our lunches were great! We went to this one last year and enjoyed our meal then too.

Sunday off to Bentsen State park for an 8:30 birdwalk.   very windy today.  did not see any new birds but met a few birders we had met at other parks.  everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable and willing to share!  We had to put the A/C on when we got home. it was very humid.  temps going down to low 70’s for the overnight and humid. we have been able to sleep with the windows open but not tonight!