Zone-tailed Hawk at Salineno

Salineno is a 250 year old Spanish community of several hundred citizens situated on the Rio Grande River at an old Indian crossing. Many years ago a birding couple acquired some land, parked an rv, and began feeding the birds.  Every winter since, the birds have found seed, oranges, suet, and chicken skins (the rare Brown Jays love them).  Three orioles (Audubon's,  Altamira, and Hooded) can be seen at once along with Olive Sparrows, Long-billed Thrashers,  Golden-fronted and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, and the ever present Green Jay.

In the winter thousands of birders come to Salineno to watch the spectacle.  You simply park your car and walk in.  Don't expect manicured lawns here.  What you will find is the host rv with a number of lawn chairs in front facing the feeders.  You sign in (all states are represented along with international visitors ),  make a donation,  and join the other friendly birders.  At times the action at the feeders is so fast and colorful you don't know which feeder to watch.  During lulls everybody gets acquainted and compare notes.

Often surprises come to Salineno.  As Edie and I enjoyed the action at the feeders, one of the birders suddenly jumped up, pointed, and yelled Zone-tailed Hawk.  My first reaction was that it must be a Turkey Vulture since they  resemble Turkey Vultures and often soar with them.


Zone-tailed Hawk

 



The white bands on the tail changed my mind.  This was the first one Edie and I have seen which was true for half of the assembled birders. 

After activity at the feeders slowed down I walked the short distance to the river.  Since Mexico is directly across the river, the Border Patrol is very active in the area.  A good number of sought after birds can be seen flying up and down the river.  While we watched a Ringed Kingfisher flew downstream.


The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest of our three kingfishers.

After Salineno we drove the short distance to Falcon State Park, but with the hot day the birds were all taking a siesta.  We did get invited to sit down with the friendly camp hosts from Montana.  They were avid birders and had been in charge of the feeders in the park.

We ended the day at Zapata where we dined at The Steakhouse Restaurant.  Despite the name it turned out to be more Mexican than steakhouse with chips and salsa to start the meal and only a few steaks on the menu.  The steamed fish platter turned out to be a good choice.