Visit to Edinburg Scenic Wetlands

We headed out today to visit the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. After we managed to find the center, which was hidden in the Edinburg Municipal Park (think kids playing ball, etc.), we had a great morning exploring the 40 acres of this bird and butterfly habitat, with its two ponds and butterfly gardens. The large visitor center offers lots of resources, including field guides and even computerized field guides with bird calls and descriptions.

We took our binoculars and saw lots of Northern Mockingbirds (which we just found out is the state bird of Texas). In the ponds we saw plenty of Northern Shovelers and American Coots, and in the North Pond, Black-Necked Stilts--very amusing to watch perched on their long pink legs like flamingos--and cormorants. Atop a high tree on the bare branches, we spotted a male cardinal and what we think was a hummingbird. As we walked around, we saw lots of wildflowers, including colorful Turk's Cap, and the butterflies they attract. Most of them didn't sit still long enough for close viewing, but one little brownish one with a yellow wing patch did oblige.

This afternoon we calculated the lengths we need to cut our pvc pipe to make a bike rack. We chose an easy to make model that might also work in the truck (if we remove the hitch).

We played another three rounds of Rummikub (I guess I enjoy getting whipped). Ken won all three and gained 60 points on me.