Surfside

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It will take me a while to sort out the photos from our recent time on the coast but here are some initial comments and pictures.

Surfside didn't have as many shorebirds as I was expecting but the beach certainly had enough birds most days to keep me occupied.

Brown Pelicans were among the most common birds and I spent a lot of time watching them fishing. Unfortunately, the ones that were fishing were always too far away to allow good photos. However, on their way to and from the sea they frequently passed right over our heads.




The beach had scores of Royal Terns, including this youngster begging for for food.


Black Terns were plentiful also.


Willets, Sanderlings and Ruddy Turnstones were everywhere.

Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling

Juvenile Ruddy Turnstone

Mixed in among them were a few Black-bellied Plovers.


I was pleased to get daily opportunities to watch one of my favorite birds, the rather comical-looking American Oystercatcher.


Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets appeared now and then.

Snowy Egret

There were Great-tailed Grackles a-plenty, too, including many molting males.

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