An ill wind a-blowin'

Strong southerly winds. Not something the avid birder trying to get a peek at migrating birds from the vantage of High Island, Texas, wants to battle... but there we were this Saturday. Winds whipping 20-25 miles per hour out of the south were not uncommon. A lot of migrants likely used that strong tailwind to zip right past Boy Scout Woods. We did have a few drop in... Worm-eating Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, etc... but overall the morning was very slow. 

We took the noon shorebird tour with greater hopes, but the wind and high tides may it tough on both man and beast. Again, we did manage a few new additions to the list... mostly terns and plovers. 

After a quick pit stop at the Smith Oaks rookery we returned to Boy Scout Woods, where stories of a busy afternoon the previous day had us hopeful. While the wind was still a factor, the action did pick up a bit in the PM hours with visits from a Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Painted Bunting and a few others. Overall we added 17 new birds to the flickr stream... a little disappointing, but not to shabby. We return to High Island for both days next weekend and are hoping the Mother Nature gives us break.