Friday, January 22, 2010

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

This state park use to allow "winter Texans" to camp inside the park.  During that time almost every campsite had feeders for the birds and it was one of the best places to photograph birds in the Valley.  Today you cannot drive into the park-you must hike, bike or wait for a tram.  Visitors stop at the adjoining World Birding Center to pay entry fees and get a wrist band.  Photographers then take a tram or go under their own power.  With heavy lenses and tripods this takes some planning.  Volunteers fill up feeding stations scattered around the park-a continuation of sorts from its past history.

A good technique is to pick an active station in good light and wait.  This proved to be very successful the first morning as two Mexican rarities (Rose-breasted Becard and Clay-colored Robin) were photographed.

Rose-breasted Becard


Clay-colored Robin


Green Jay


Great Kiskadee

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