EXPLORING NATURE: RATS & FESTIVALS

I recently visited the Patsy Glenn Refuge, a two-acre birding oasis in the middle of Wimberley, and walked the trail back to a large wooden bird blind. I had my binoculars and a field guide and was all set for a leisurely morning of watching birds.

A slight breeze was most pleasant and at 9 a.m., it was relatively cool, a welcome respite from the scorching heat of the afternoon.

Last time I had visited the refuge, I saw titmice, Carolina chickadees, northern cardinals, house sparrows — and lots of rats. The rats were evidently attracted by seeds which fell to the ground from multiple feeders hanging at the blind.

This time, I saw the same lineup of birds, including a white-winged dove, but there were no rats. And that remains a mystery — where did all the rats go? The Pied Piper comes to mind.

I encourage you to get out and look at birds in your locale, especially in the early hours before things heat up. And if you are in the mood for some species a little more exotic than titmice and chickadees, I have a suggestion.

You’ll see green jays, great kiskadees and ringed kingfishers in the Rio Grande Valley. And a great time to go will be Nov. 9-13 of this year — the dates for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in Harlingen.

This is one of my alltime favorite birding festivals. It has great keynote speakers and terrific field trips. Visit www.rgbf.org or call 209-227-4823 for information.

Happy birding!