One of the birds I especially wanted to see at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival was the Green Jay. It is not unusual to see these beautiful birds in South Texas, but they are not found elsewhere in the US.
I drove to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge to look at shorebirds, and I was surprised and delighted to see many Green Jays there.
Laguna Atascosa NWR is a region of Texas which some call the last great habitat. Here, thorn forest intermingles with freshwater wetlands, coastal prairies, mudflats and beaches.
Here are some photos of the Green Jays:
These Green Jays were drinking and bathing at a water feature.
They are truly beautiful birds.
Here is a short video of a flock of Green Jays feeding:
Awesome Linda!
Thanks Steve. I’ve wanted to see this bird for a long time. Although they’re fairly common in the area, I was pretty much beside myself watching them,
Love them!
Me too, Lovely Dawn. I was very excited to see them!
Green with envy
Beautiful birds & photos!
; ) Me too!
And I agree.
I wish you could have seen them with me Cindy. They look as if they’ve been painted by an artist. Thanks for your kind compliment on the photos.
Oh my what beautiful birds and what amazing photographs. Well done indeed!
Thank you Barbara. They are truly gorgeous birds! I was absolutely delighted to see them.
I am SO envious! You’re in an area I’ve never birded and those jays are on the top of my wish list. Even more impressive than your jay pictures is the fact that you were driving out to look at shorebirds! He’ll be so proud!
You will just have to meet me at the festival next year! I now know where to go and what to see. It’s an absolutely fabulous birding area!! And yes, I went out to look at shorebirds. I even know what some of them are. I think I know, anyway. Expect a shorebird blog post in the not-too-distant future. Andrew will correct my mis-identifications, I’m sure.
Wow. What a gorgeous bird. Appreciated the video.
They truly are gorgeous Scott. The colors absolutely take your breath away! Happy that you like the video.
Wow Linda, wonderful photos and video! This is one bird I hope to see some day!
Thanks Debbie. Happy that you like the photos and the video. I was so excited to see these beautiful birds. South Texas is a wonderful birding area!!
Great photographs Linda, stunning birds!
Thanks Lisa. The Green Jays are absolutely gorgeous. I was very excited to see them!
Very nice Linda! Posted the link to this on our Google+ and Facebook pages.
Thanks Kenny. It was wonderful to meet you at the RGVBF. I had a wonderful time. Already planning to go back next year!!
Oh my goodness, these are especially stunning birds! Lucky you! Beautiful colors and markings. I would love to see a Green Jay. So happy I can view them on you blog. Fabulous series, Linda!
Thanks Julie. South Texas is an amazing birding area, and the RGVBF is a wonderful birding festival. I had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to go back next year!!
Fabulous colors. I live near Corpus Christi about 3 hrs north of LRGV. Once & awhile we see in our yards. Were amazed on the size of these gorgeous birds, Your photos R great. Loved the video. Thanks for posting!
Corpus is a beautiful place. The Green Jays are gorgeous, aren’t they? Happy you enjoyed the photos and the video. Thanks for your kind comments!
Love this! So incredible to see. Reminds me of Blue Jays and Budgie Parakeets rolled into one. Amazing and so glad you caught them on tape!
Thanks Laura. The colors on the Green Jays are just incredible! These are really big birds too–much larger than a Budgie. I was really fortunate to be able to get a video of them!
I love your pictures. Will show them to some co-workers They don’t know what we see as birders in SE Texas.
Thank you Pamela. I’m happy that you like my photos. Sometimes when people see the gorgeous birds something clicks. I love to show people why I love birds and birding. It was such fun meeting you and Chris at the RGVBF! Let’s hope for more fun meetings in the future.
fantastic photos and birds, linda. woot!111
Thanks Steve. I was so excited to see these beauties! I’d seen photos of them for years, and I was very anxious to see and photograph them for myself.