We've settled into our winter home here in Mission, in the beautiful Rio Grande Valley. We're already starting to feel very much at home here, and are enjoying meeting our new neighbors.
Yesterday we rode the tram through the beautiful Rio Grande Valley State Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Right off the bat we saw another javelina and so many spectacular birds, including the vibrant Green Jay. Hawks were also plentiful.
Yesterday we rode the tram through the beautiful Rio Grande Valley State Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Right off the bat we saw another javelina and so many spectacular birds, including the vibrant Green Jay. Hawks were also plentiful.
We continued our wildlife trek today with a Pontoon Boat ride down (up?) the Rio Grande. Right before we left for the cruise, we followed a truck that had TN plates. The owner, Cheryl, is from Chattanooga, and it turned out that she was also going on the Boat ride, so we had a very pleasant chat about home.
The other couple that joined us on the boat cruise are avid birders, so we learned how to spot birds and also learn a few of the species that fly around here.
As we rode, we learned a little about the river that joins the U.S. and Mexico, right in the middle. We saw numerous parks on the Mexican side, as well as some houses, to include one very nice mansion that had been confiscated by the Mexican government because the owner is serving time for dealing drugs. Although we saw several Border Patrol vehicles on the U.S. side, there were only a few people on the Mexican side, mostly doing construction work. Our guides pointed out bright plastic along the shore line, that were rafts used to cross over to the U.S.
The ride was very enjoyable, although a bit chilly. I neglected to bring my bigger camera, so the bird pictures I took today were not the best. In addition, it was very overcast and gray and made it harder to get quality pictures. Next time we go, I'll be sure to bring my other camera to see these flying beauties up close.
The other couple that joined us on the boat cruise are avid birders, so we learned how to spot birds and also learn a few of the species that fly around here.
As we rode, we learned a little about the river that joins the U.S. and Mexico, right in the middle. We saw numerous parks on the Mexican side, as well as some houses, to include one very nice mansion that had been confiscated by the Mexican government because the owner is serving time for dealing drugs. Although we saw several Border Patrol vehicles on the U.S. side, there were only a few people on the Mexican side, mostly doing construction work. Our guides pointed out bright plastic along the shore line, that were rafts used to cross over to the U.S.
The ride was very enjoyable, although a bit chilly. I neglected to bring my bigger camera, so the bird pictures I took today were not the best. In addition, it was very overcast and gray and made it harder to get quality pictures. Next time we go, I'll be sure to bring my other camera to see these flying beauties up close.