I took a field trip to Brazos Bend State Park on Saturday (the day after it snowed). It was only 25 degrees when I got out there, but I was dressed in full, warm, camouflage. I got there early, before 7 am. I started off at Elm Lake, although I was supposed to meet the group I was doing this field trip with at 40 Acre Lake. Since I was an hour early, I decided to take a few pictures where I was at.
Probably one of the most common birds at Brazos Bend is the Black Bellied Whistling Duck. These guys looked like they were pretty cold, as they didn’t move an inch despite how close I was.
.jpg "Black Bellied Whistling Duck Brazos Bend State Park")
Black Bellied Whistling Duck Brazos Bend State Park
Even some of the Vultures needed to take some time to warm up. Here’s two Black Vultures, one of them spreading their wings in full display. The other vulture doesn’t seem that impressed:-).
In reading one of my books it mentions how Black Vultures have a less developed sense of smell compared to the Turkey Vultures (below) and instead rely on their eyesight.
.jpg "Black Vulture Spreading Wings Brazos Bend State Park")
Black Vulture Spreading Wings Brazos Bend State Park
The Turkey Vultures weren’t immune to the cold. Almost in perfect synchronization, they spread their wings. Notice how the Turkey Vulture with the red head has that gap between it’s nose? I wonder if that helps with its sense of smell?
Turkey Vultures Spreading Wings Brazos Bend State Park
The birds weren’t the only ones warming up. There was one American Alligator laying on a log soaking up the sun. Brazos Bend is well known for the number of Alligators, but this is the only one we saw.
American Alligator Brazos Bend State Park
I have lots more bird pictures to post, but let me wind up tonight by sharing some photos of the Least Grebe. One of the rangers at the park said these birds only recently started appearing. In total, there was a group of three of these birds, all hunting for food.
Least Grebe Brazos Bend State Park
This is another one of the Least Grebes after emerging from under water. It’s covered in a bunch of muck from the lake.
Least Grebe In Muck Brazos Bend State Park
I’ll continue posting more bird pictures from Brazos Bend over the next few days. I’ve got many pictures to process, and some of the birds I can’t remember what their names are.
Feel free to leave any comments.
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