Spring Formal on the Island

My husband took me to Galveston Island State Park this week for the big spring formal–the annual gathering of birds in their finest feathery.

The year’s top-billed attraction was the Eastern Meadowlark.

Looking striking in lemon yellow, the meadowlark posed for the camera as if on the red carpet. She regaled us with her sweet melody all afternoon.

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The Scissortail Flycatcher cut a fine figure as well. The soft grey plush of her head and breast are offset with a pop of coral in the underwing and of course, her impossibly long tail.

She sure can hold a pose. All the onlookers wondered, “How does she fly with that long tail?”

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The most shocking statement of the day was the emerald green lore of the great egret.

Experienced birders know all about the lores–the area on either side of a bird’s bill to the front of the eyes. 

During breeding season, the male great egret’s lores turn green, and I must tell you it almost makes me blush it’s so brilliant.  

I’d say this guy puts the “ga” in the “galore” of the spring migration.  

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The blue-gray gnatcatcher made an appearance–although barely.    

Notoriously flighty and camera-shy, here she is looking out from the shadows in her moody blue gown. 

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Here is a class favorite, the amiable yellow-rumped warbler, aka Butter Butt.

He sure opens up on the dance floor. Look at that form!

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Every dance has its wall-flowers.  These herons stayed near the punchbowl all afternoon. 

A tri-colored heron working up the nerve to say hello to a great egret.

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No party is complete without a crasher.  This unidentified bird flew right over our heads and disappeared. Anyone know what class he belongs to?

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All said, the spring formal was a huge success and a great time was had by all.

Kudos to my date, Mr. Dudley, for snapping these great shots. They will definitely make it into the yearbook–or should I say my Big Year Book.