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Taken during the first Port Aransas Nature Preserve Bioblitz, with Colleen Simpson.

Wade Strickland pointed out this Greater Flamingo to us. It's the escapee from the Wichita zoo (with leg band 492) that has been living on the Texas coast for years. It was initially just northwest of Salt Island. It made its way north, on the west side of the board walk, until it took flight and landed in tall grass just south of the birding center. I hope it hangs around for awhile!

2 red lored arrived at 4:40
75 rcpa arrived at 4:50. Another large flock arrived 5 minutes later. There were about 150 parrots in total, about 90% RCPA.

At least 14 white crowned parrots
At least 6 red lored parrots
At least 4 yellow headed parrots

This is one of the most surprising and interesting wildlife sightings of my career at Balcones Canyonlands NWR. BioTech Elizabeth Lesley and I were hiking through some steep hills during a Golden-cheeked Warbler survey when I heard a sound I'd never heard before. To make a long story short*, we came across two Ringtails mating in a tree overhead. You can read the whole R-rated tale of this encounter on my blog entry for Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR here:

• [link updated] https://www.friendsofbalcones.org/chucks-STUFF/334183