Every year is different in November and this year kept suit with that trend with a twist. Weather wise this was the most extreme I’ve ever witnessed in all of my birding and butterfly fall / winter trips. Mike Smith and I arrived on the 8th to sunny skies and 94 degrees. That all changed the next day with the first of two consecutive cold fronts going through. We didn’t really get out looking for any butterflies until 5 1/2 days later. Winds blowing from the NW at 20+ mph and temps struggling to get above 50 for a couple of those days. It was downright cold, cloudy and windy. The temperature dropped below freezing (31) one morning. Mike and I went to Walmart for long underwear, hats and gloves. We saw a 63 degree swing in temps!
All was not lost however as there are always birding opportunities. This year offered a very rare Roadside Hawk (near and around the National Buttefly Center and Bentsen Rio Grande State Park) and a rare Masked Booby on South Padre Island. Sprinkle in a Golden-crowned Warbler, Aplomado Falcons and Fulvous Whistling Ducks and there was plenty to keep us busy as long as we could stay warm.
The butterfly rarity this November was Hermit Skipper which was reported in multiple locations. Even though it’s seen off and on in the valley probably every year this was the first time I’ve seen any reported in November since I’ve been going to Texas for butterflies. I spent most of my time lepping with good friends Deb and Bill Marsh from Ohio. All the other fall regulars (people) where there and we kept in constant touch via group texting if something good was found. It was great to reacquaint with old friends and make some new ones. Other real good butterflies were a lifer Yojoa-scrub Hairstreak (thanks to Deb Marsh for spotting this gem) at the gardens in Roma, Banded Patch and Hermit Skipper at Falcon Dam State Park, White Angled-Sulphur at the Retama Village (thanks to Phil Kelly) and a beautiful male Four-spotted Sailor at the National Butterfly Center.
I can’t wait until next November when I’ll be celebrating retirement in the valley.
Click on any image below to enlarge
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I especially enjoy reading your butterfly and bird reports from the LRGV. The last time I was there, I commented at least a half dozen times that I could easily see myself living there.
Thanks John,
Perhaps we can go on a trip together own there sometime soon.