I have recently returned from a very good 5 day birding extension to a business trip to Texas, concentrating on the Rio Grande Valley region.
A full trip report is now available on my website at http://www.stephenburch.com/trips/texas/texas.htm
This is illustrated with a selection of the 1700 or so DSLR pics I took. Highlights included 3 Oriole species and many other Rio Grande Valley specialities.
I have a couple of doubts about identification, which I am wondering if any experts on US birds can help me with. There are two pics on my website, where I am asking for a second opinion. I have attempted to include these with this message as well.
One was a rail species seen (and photographed) more or less in the dark. The Americans I was with said this was a Clapper Rail, but the pic to me looks more like Virginia!
The other was an Empidomax Flycatcher species, but the question is which one? From the somewhat distant photo, I think it might have been Least Flycatcher, but would certainly welcome other views or confirmation.
Stephen
There's a big size difference between the rails which one can't discern in your photo, but the coloration of the rail is Virginia, so I agree with your identification. I'm not brave enough to ID your flycatcher, though.
I concur with your IDs. Read your trip report, glad you had a good one.
Please come back and see us in Texas!
Steve in Houston