A Busy day in the marsh. The day started with a sublime sunrise and gave way to the awakening of thousands of hungry beaks. I’ve posted photos and video from Brazoria NWR. I think the video is pretty cool. But that’s just me. In October, the migration is in full swing and the marshes along the Texas coast are alive with ducks, geese, waders and shore birds.
It seems this day was no different, with thousands of waders feeding in the shallows. The waders seemed to be keenly aware of the nearby presence of two medium sized alligators, however this didn’t seem to deter them from their frenzied feeding. The gators were in a watch and wait ambush mode..forever patient. With so many eyes, the gators were not successful while I was observing. But I’m sure they can catch an unwary victim quite easily.
I have also included some images of birds in flight including American Avocets, Blue-winged Teal, Dowitchers, and Yellowlegs. For more images from the Upper Texas Coast Refuge system visit Brazoria NWR Photo Collection. This page has many images of multiple trips, mostly during migration in September and October of 2012. These images highlight the quantity and diversity of the avian life that visit the coastal marshes at this time of year.
