FeatherQuest Adventure Recap
🌟 Quest Highlights
- A White-faced Ibis calmly feeding near the trail edge
- Followed a Snowy Egret as it danced along the shoreline
- Great Blue Heron fly-by from the top of the watchtower
- Forster’s Tern dive-bombed for breakfast and came up successful
July 12, 2025 @ 9:00 AM
Sunny • 75°F • No Wind
📜 Quest Log
Our second FeatherQuest field trip kicked off at 9:00 AM under sunny skies—with no breeze this time, the morning heat settled in fast. The group was a bit smaller than day one, but still about 20 strong, and just as excited to see what the trail would offer.
Armed with field guides, checklists, and our karaoke speaker mic once again, we headed west along the lakeshore trail. The Killdeer greeted us early, followed by fuzzy baby coots paddling near the reeds. A Black-capped Chickadee made a quick, unofficial appearance before the walk began.
This time with the sun to the East, we turned to the western shoreline and were rewarded with a close view of a White-faced Ibis calmly feeding just off the path. Resting Forster’s Terns, Ring-billed Gulls, and Canada Geese clustered along the shore while Yellow Warblers and Song Sparrows sang us onward from the trees.
Near the trail's end, we tracked a Snowy Egret weaving gracefully along the edge of the trees until it broke into the open water. From the top of the watchtower, a Great Blue Heron soared past us in dramatic fashion, drawing gasps and much joy. Minutes later, we spotted it again, perched on a nest-like island right off the trail—an iconic parting image.
As the group began to return, those who lingered at the end (as usual) were rewarded: the long-heard Eastern Kingbird finally revealed himself, swooping out from a treetop perch to give one final highlight before we wrapped.
Another 22-species day, another adventure in the books.
📸 White Rock Lake Recap
After loading up on truly incredible Dallas BBQ at Terry Black’s, we made our way to White Rock Lake for an afternoon of exploring. I was hoping Texas would deliver at least a couple of lifers — and it did not disappoint. In fact, four species ended up joining the life list before the day was done.
The first surprise came quickly: a Carolina Wren belting out an unfamiliar but pleasant call. I love unfamiliar calls — they almost always signal a lifer — and sure enough, this one did. Moments later, a Carolina Chickadee appeared, darting through branches in classic chickadee fashion until one finally paused, giving me a clean look at another brand-new addition.
Not long after, the woods erupted with the unmistakable distance call of a Red-shouldered Hawk. A mob of Blue Jays rallied in protest, which instantly put me on alert — I’ve been chasing a clean Blue Jay photo for years. We ended up in a little game of hide-and-seek: he’d peek from a branch, drop down to grab a hidden stash, then zip off again before I could dial in the settings. Another near-miss for the Jay portfolio… but one of these days I’ll get him.
The next lifer was far less cooperative. An Eastern Phoebe burst onto the scene, paused just long enough for a single hurried photo, and then vanished as quickly as it came. Blink and you miss it — exactly how this one went down.
Beyond the lifers, the lake delivered a gorgeous mix of waterbirds — pelicans, cormorants, egrets, and wood ducks working the coves — while songbirds stitched sound through the treeline. The Belted Kingfisher was the cherry on top: flighty as always, but unmistakable and always a thrill to watch even when the shots don’t come easy.
All told, White Rock Lake gave me exactly what I was hoping for: a handful of new species, a chance to improve on past sightings, and a fresh set of memories from my first time birding in Texas.
📸 Trip Photo Gallery
This visual log brings to life the highlights from our July 12, 2025 field trip — featuring close-up looks at ibis and egrets, in-flight terns with bold red bills, and a dramatic Great Blue Heron flyby. From perched swallows to a triumphant tern mid-catch, these moments capture the beauty and variety of the lakeshore. Click any image to view it full size and relive the adventure.
