Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park Altimira Oriole © Dennis Eccleston
These brightly colored birds are the most common oriole in the region.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Javelina © Dennis Eccleston
The Javelina or Collared Peccary is a common sight under the bird feeders at least until the prickly pear cactus comes into spring flowering where they often fight over seed droppings while green jays often feed for these same seeds on their backs.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Reddish Eagret © Dennis Eccleston
This bird though rare and threatened in the USA is fairly commen in the Laguna

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Nilgai © Dennis Eccleston
These are female Nilgai, the Indian Antelope which escaped from captivity in the 1930s and now successfully breed in south Texas. The much larger males have short horns and can weigh up to 800 lb.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Nilgai Bull © Dennis Eccleston
I have seen these bulls only twice on the reserve and on both occasions that was as they crossed my path at full gallop, making photography difficult.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Road Runner © Dennis Eccleston
Road Runners are very common in the reserve and often seen along the verges leading to the reserve entrance.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Long Billed Curlew © Dennis Eccleston
These birds are typically seen in the marchy areas on the way towards the bayside loop exit.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Thrasher © Dennis Eccleston
Thrasher having a splash bath