First White Christmas in Recorded History in Lower Rio Grande Valley
Photographed by Mark B. Bartosik - December 25, 2004.
For the first time in 109 years, the Rio Grande Valley was covered in snow. And I was lucky enough to be there to see it. Watching all those tropical birds on branches covered with snow was an incredible experience. Probably a once in a lifetime opportunity – in the right place at the right time.
I went to McAllen, Texas on Dec 23rd, 2004 with the plan to visit Bentsen State Park for next several days and photograph birds and other wildlife there. Christmas Eve day I had to stay all day in my room, as it was a very cold and rainy day. Forecast for next day was good so I woke up very early and when I took look through the window - my eyes popped wide open instantly. Everything was covered with snow. Cars were completely covered too. Few fresh footprints were on sidewalk. It was still dark. I went outside and tried to decide if I can drive my car to park. It took quite a while to scrape the snow and ice from windows and warm up the car. With only windows cleaned as a ‘snow car’ I hit the road. What is usually a fifteen minutes drive to park turned up to be about half hour trip. Not too bad for those icy roads. McAllen and its surrounding areas received 3 inches of snow that night.
When I reached Bentsen SP sun was already above horizon for about half-hour. I was little mad at myself for not leaving earlier but soon forgot about my anger when I saw a snow paradise inside. Many birds were already flying around and landing on branches fully loaded with snow. They where singing, hoping and searching for food. Normal every day activities. Like nothing happened. Most of those species living there are tropical birds. They never see the snow. Their great, great ….great parents saw it last time on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, 1895. I spent all day long observing and photographing Green Jays, Altamira Orioles, Great Kiskadees, Thrashers, Plain Chachalacas, Least Grebes and many others enjoying their first White Christmas. I was so exited that day I forgot about drink and food. I did not drink or eat nothing the whole day !!!. I got my meal in motel about 6 p.m. and it tasted very good.
Single patches of snow were still in woods next day. But the weather changed drastically. It was warm and sky was clear for next few days. I had opportunity to see and photograph many more interesting species. All three species of Kingfishers were there (Belted, Ringed and Green) with green ones cooperating with me. One day I was stalking whole day Great Kiskadees trying to keep a balance on muddy ravine button near the small lake. I was rewarded by getting shots of those birds diving for fish, picking up the prey and flying away with meal in bill. Also I was incredibly lucky to catch a moment of their territorial fight in air. My beloved Least Grebes became used to my presence and a huge flock of them (over thirty birds) often was hunting for fish near by.
I am so in love with Rio Grande Valley, I want to go back there tomorrow!!!!
