Mexican food, the menu contained sandwiches and American fare as well. After the Mexican plate recharged me, I went down the street a few blocks to the Valley Nature Center. The nature center is a densely wooded six-acre tract of land in the heart of town. I saw many more Chachalacas, and got a great look at a Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, which I had been wanting to see since I arrived in the Valley. Back at the Nature Center headquarters, we chatted with the nice man working there. He told us about the parrots that live around there. It's almost impossible to see the green birds during the day, when they are quietly sitting in palm trees looking for food. The time to see the parrots is at dawn and dusk, when they are emerging and returning to their roosting trees, making a racket. The birds are mostly Red-Crowned Parrots, but other species can be mixed in. We tried driving around Mission at dusk with our windows rolled down, but didn't hear or see any parrots. That leaves something to look for next time! I had a fun trip to the Valley, and even though I was running around looking for birds, the tropical atmosphere is very relaxing.
-Eamon Decker
Buff-Bellied Hummingbird in Flight
-Eamon Decker
Bouganvillia Flowers
-Eamon Decker
Hidalgo Pumphouse, Hidalgo
-Eamon Decker
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