Backyard Birding

I managed to take some very mediocre pictures of the birds in my backyard. My feathered friends were not too cooperative. I was only able to get pictures of hooded warblers and some roseate spoonbills in their evening fly-over.

A Visit with the Whooping Cranes

I recently went by boat to visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the winter home of the endangered whooping crane. This is the only natural wild migrating group of whooping cranes in the world. I believe the guide said including those in captivity and the eastern migrating group created by marine biologists there are only around 500 known whooping cranes in the world. Around 270 birds made the migration here this year. We have lost 17 this season. The conditions have been rough for the whopper this year because the lack of fresh water in the bay limits the blue crab population, their major food source. The cranes need to get enough nutrition here to survive their long trip back to their Canadian breeding grounds. I managed to get some photographs. I hope you enjoy them. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Cafe Phoenix, showin' the love

After hearing a lot of positive buzz about Cafe Phoenix and finding it closed every time I tried to visit, I finally ate there. I hate to share this, but I really liked this place. It is very small and intimate, and romantic in that undiscovered jewel kinda way.

We had a great server; one that is passionate and knowledgeable about food.

We ordered the chicken ginger pesto appetizer with the coconut slaw. A cacophony of crunch and interesting spice. Delicious, delightful, and very creative.

The house salad with the celery seed dressing was a miss with me. My dinner partner loved it. I'll try the house balsamic vinaigrette next time. We both enjoyed the house-made bread.

Main course was the duck ginger demi-glace. Cooked to perfection; crispy skin and juicy flesh.

Dessert was carrot cake with maple toasted nuts and a slice of coconut cream pie. Both were delicious. Do not skip desert here!