New Year Big Day

Normally I start the New Year doing a "big day" in the Rockport, TX area with the "shrikes". That wasn't possible today due to the sudden and unexpected illness of one of the group, so I decided to try it on my own. Highlights of the 104 species seen were Burrowing Owl, American & Least Bitterns, Least Grebe, and Pacific Loon (pictures of all 5 species taken). Although a bit cold, it was a beautiful day to be out birding. Apparently those who went to Bentsten SP to start their New Year also had a wonderful day, with a very cooperative Bare-throated Tiger-Heron.