January 20 to February 14, 2014 NOMADS Project, Mercedes, MS

February 15 (Approximately) to June - Gate Guarding, TX or LA.

June, 2014 - Up to Alaska!

September - NOMADS Annual Meeting, Branson, MO



Friday, February 1, 2013

Santa Ana NWR

Mercedes, TX

Today, having off work, we decided to do a bit of sightseeing in the area.   When we plugged in "tourist attractions " on the GPS, we were thrilled to see there was a National Wildlife Refuge just 16 miles away.   So off we went to


This is one of the nicest refuges we've visited.   There are 14 miles of walking trails.  We walked one that was about a mile long.  Along the way we saw  some birds I've never seen before such as this Green Jay



Maybe someone (Judy) can tell me what this is



I know this is an Oriole



There are several ponds with all kinds to ducks



I saw something I had never seen alive before.  I thought all armadillos were just dead on the roads.



We took the hour and a half tram ride which stopped twice.  One was at three towers.  We climb the taller one that had 70 steps.  This is looking out at the other two that have a connecting bridge.



The other stop was at a cemetery.


The last burial was in 1929.





We do plan on returning.  Next Saturday they are having their Winter Texan Appreciation Day.  Free admission (ours is always free with the Federal Golden Pass), refreshments, door prizes and $2.00 tram rides.  Usual cost is $4.00/$3.50 for seniors.

As Judy who volunteers at so many NWR's would say  THE END



9 comments:

heyduke50 said...

you are right - this is such a great park...

Carol Kerr said...

We need to visit this park and you guys!

JO said...

I would love to see one of those green jays. And for Judy to let us all know what that bird is. Very pretty.

Chuck and Anneke's RV travels said...

That day off looks a bit like a bus mans holiday!

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

So glad you enjoyed the park. We plan to do that area in the very near future. Thanks for the heads up.

Travels with Emma said...

The yellow bird is a Great Kiskadee. :)

Rick said...

Nice looking park and a very interesting old cemetery.

Great photos of your tour.

owensontheroad said...

What a great find!

The Odd Essay said...

Bill & I volunteered there for several months back in 2002. We always love to go back and visit. I've added several life birds that I've sighted there. It's always good to hear about folks that enjoy those NWRs.