It is hot down here. Three-thirty finds us in the library, which is cool. We got up early this morning for a second visit to the Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge. Our target bird was the hook-billed kite. The refuge was quiet this warm morning except for the buzzing of mosquitoes that were the only ones pleased at the absence of wind.

We enjoyed walking on the somewhat dusty trails through Texas ebony and prickly pear past lagoons that collected ducks and waders. We found one new arrival, a brown-crested flycatcher sitting quietly in a tree. We had to study it carefully from different angles to confirm its identity. It seemed to be resting upon its return to Texas.

Two groups of birders joined us in the marsh area. One was an "elder hostel" group from Massachusetts, the second was a tour group organized by the refuge. During our meeting, Chuck noticed a flying raptor. The guide from the refuge immediately identified it as a hook-billed kite. We "ticked" this bird, but wanted a better view. It would come a half hour later when this or another kite returned to soar above us. We noticed its famous "paddle shaped wings" and its big big beak. The views were still not close, but they were as good as can normally be expected of this rare (probably less than 12 in this country) and elusive bird.

We will rest later to beat the heat and perhaps go out again at dusk to seek better views of night flying paraques in Benson park. A cold front is forecast to come through tonight. That is good news. It may get down to 60 this night and 50 tomorrow night. Right now it is about 92.

We hit the road tomorrow, traveling only about 70 miles west to Falcon Lake. There we will seek rare red-billed pigeon, white-colored seed eaters, and wild muscovy ducks as well as more dessert species. The land becomes progressively more arid up river.

Yesterday was a birding holiday. We found a Unitarian church in the town of San Juan east of McAllen. It was a tiny building that had been moved onto a lot in a residential area. We joined about two dozen worshippers. There were about 60 name tags, probably most belonging to "winter Texans" who have returned north.

At camp Chuck painted the tires with a sun screen while Anne did laundry. We then went grocery shopping buying hamburgers and dove bars. Back at camp Chuck cooked the burgers over mesquite charcoal and we enjoyed Sunday dinner. Anne raised the antenna and we found a tv signal, saw West Wing and Law and Order. A big Sunday on the road.