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Posted by Alex Harper on 18:24:00 01/15/14
In Reply to: Violet-green Swallow- ENP 1/15 posted by Alex Harper
After running some morning errands this morning, I made my way to the Coastal Prairie Trail. There, I met the legendary Paul Sykes already set up at the aforementioned stake-out location surrounded by Pickleweed and other low vegetation. Inclement weather threatened to rain us out, but after about thirty minutes of scanning, we locked on to two swallows foraging high amongst gray nimbostratus clouds. The birds stayed high and fought strong winds as they made their way west-east, never foraging low. We were able to get poor but identifiable looks (the bird showed off it's drab green back and white waist). We also both noted it is slightly smaller than the Tree is accompanied. The birds dissapeared east towards the campgrounds. We left the CPT before noon, but I returned again later after poking around Flamingo. Swallows were loafing around far in the distance, but were not identifiable even with a scope. Under dusk-like skies, a Black Rail figured it was dark enough to call once only several dozen yards from where I was scanning.
Other species seen in the park during the day: Greater Scaup (3 at West Lake), American Bittern, Short-tailed Hawk (5), Least Flycatcher, Bank Swallow (2), Yellow-breasted Chat, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
Assuming the 2013 Jackson County Cackling Geese are approved, the swallow makes for my 399th state bird. That being said, let me know of any Cinnamon Teals in the state. Anyone heading up to STA-5 soon?
Alex
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