Frio Fun

The extended family met for five days on the Frio, which meant Papa Wes was gonna get some birding time in. The Frio offers all sorts of wildlife, flora and fauna, and so many sights that we don't get to enjoy here in Liberty Hill. Enjoy our offering from our trip to the Frio.


First morning I was greeted by this view from the cabin deck, high above the river. This vantage point was going to offer up some great sights through the week.


About 6:45 Axis deer started single file crossing the river below, traveling to the far shore where it was obvious they had a grazing and safe area.


A total of about 25 deer crossed that morning, followed by a buck with a very large rack. All my shots came out blurry on him, he just wouldn't pause, and the light level was too low.


For many years I have been hearing the call of the Canyon Wren when visiting the Frio, but never have I been able to see one, until now. Our elevated deck allowed me to wait them out, and see what was hopping about the hillside. I encourage you to check out the bird id website link and listen to the call of the Canyon Wren.


This Ladder-backed Woodpecker was working on a volunteer pecan close to the cabin.


Next morning the Axis didn't cross, but a single White-tail spike was wondering about the river bed below. He crossed over and munched a little on some cypress leaves, and then entertained me with leaping and frolicking in the water.




The White-eyed Vireo has a distinctive call. Some characterize it as 'quick-with-the-beer-check'. This one was in the oak trees on the west side of the cabin, and was not cooperative at all in allowing this blurry picture.


My niece's father-in-law Ron Baughman joined me in exploring one of my favorite spots, Seven Bluff Campground. We pulled up to the store, spied this Golden-fronted Woodpecker on the hummingbird feeder, and I said, "Ron, we can probably stay right here and see all the bird variety as they come to us!"


We were seeing this flycatcher with orange flanks, but not much other to id. We had lots of ideas going on, but not the female Vermillion Flycatcher until we saw her with him, and then the young one caught up to beg for food.


And here is daddy, about 30 feet from where we parked the car at the store. One of the favorites that I only get to see when at the Frio.


Ron had visited the area a number of times before, and took me over to the bridge just past the entrance to Garner State Park. The Cliff Swallows have built quite a city of their mud nests underneath the concrete planks. There were few birds around, but I had never seen their nests before.


We traveled on out to Camp Live Oak north of Leakey. I know it is at least part Black Squirrel, but not sure about that fox squirrel back end. Do they crossbreed?


A Lark Sparrow close to one of the feeders. First time sighting for me.


You can always count on the Buntings at Camp Live Oak. We also saw Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings.


A late treat. The last morning out on the back deck, and a Hooded Oriole flies in for a short photo session.


And a trip to the Frio wouldn't be complete without a pic of the Summer Tanager. The unusual thing about this one; this is at Neal's Dining Room back deck. This bird was used to feeding off the table scraps, and was very obliging in posing and staying close for pictures.