TGIF... who's gullible?

This week the coveted TGIF award is presented to an ensemble cast. These seagulls receive the award just for the amount of energy they could muster at such an early hour.

A far cry from a serious birder, I depend heavily on guides for assistance in species identification. A quick glance through my handy-dandy Birds of Texas guide turns up nine different gulls for this area.

Yes, nine. Who would of thought?

They could be Bonaparte's Gulls or Franklin's or possibly Sabine's. They might also be Ring-Billed, Lesser Black-Backed or Great Black-Backed. Alas, my last three choices are Herring, Glaucous or Laughing (don't laugh, I am trying to be serious here).

By process of elimination I have narrowed it down to three, well, or possibly four. However, at this point I am going to blame lighting conditions and proclaim that not even an expert ornithologist could see enough detail to make a positive ID.

So ... any experts out there PLEASE let me know what you think. TGIF!!

TGIF... magnificent monarch.

This monarch was taking vacation along the Frio River at the same time that I was. A perfect candidate for the Flyday award.

Rio Frio

The Frio River is exactly that... mucho frio! Not sure what the actual water temperature was, but I certainly did not take a swim. Thankfully, it is absolutely gorgeous to photograph and explore from it's banks.

As busy as November can get, I had to sneak away from the hustle and bustle for a few days. A nice relaxing vacation (before the holiday season) was just what the "doctor" ordered.

Made a trip to Leakey Texas that included walks along the Frio and day trips to hike in Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Park. More pictures to come from both of those parks soon.


The Rio Frio taken at Camp Live Oak which fronts this colorful section of the river.
Click for a larger view in order to truly appreciate the colors.