Thanks to Loren & Babs Padelford, I learned about this great place to stay while birding the Rio Grande Valley. It is an island of native vegetation in a sea of development - homes, RV parks, and the like. Unfortunately I could only get the place for a week. When I checked in an walked around a bit I knew it was a winner.
The place is a bit on the eclectic side but in a good way. The main house is built around a tree which still serves as support for the roof. It has three bedrooms and two baths and is really very nice for a larger group. I enjoyed my neighbors. Gene said he taught at Iowa State Teachers College many years ago. I told him that dated him!
I should have taken more photos from here but oh well. These are all from the patio where I had coffee each morning.
Clay-colored Thrush (there was a pair) 
Javelinas 
Gray Fox 
Across the road from El Rocio is the Veteran's Cemetery. A flock of about 40 Long-billed Curlews have found the lawns to their liking for a winter home.
