Bird Island is the nesting spot for a lot of purple martins (they leave in the morning and come back at night) and white cattle egrets. Our leader guessed there were 20,000 martins and several hundred egrets.
The boat ride over to the island was really neat. It was dark and there were lots of stars in the sky. We got to the island about 5:45 - well before sunrise - and before the purple martins left. Here are some pictures of the martins beginning their day. They take off from the trees after much chattering, flying low near the water and then circle upwards in a clockwise motion. Some of the martins fly to Oklahoma where they feed their broods during the day before returning for "adult companionship" in the evening.
The sun rising over the water was beautiful.
The egrets were at the other end of the island. From a distance it looked like trees that had been "flocked" for Christmas. However, the trees were full of egrets and a few ibis.
The egrets were in the trees and walking over the ground. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but there were plenty of baby egrets walking around and sitting in the trees.
The trees were also full of nests. These guys look like they're waiting around for something to happen, wearing their yellowish breeding plumage. Is there a cool egret "pick-up" line; e.g. "Hey baby, can I ruffle your feathers?"
There are a couple of nests in this tree (in addition to the birds).
It's difficult to see, but in the center of this picture is a brown pelican. See him?
Here's our dedicated group and state park guide, Susan.
And yes, I'm looking directly into the sun. Let's snap this picture quickly!We had a great time, and my Sunday afternoon nap was appreciated!
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