PRIVATE FIRST CLASS TEDDY REISER AND I ON THE CAMPUS OF THE MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY IN HARLINGEN, TEXAS, ON THE AFTERNOON OF SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023.

A Quick Trip To The Valley:  Two Teddys and a No-Show

Prologue

A couple of weeks ago, I was talking with my good friend Tom Reiser, and he mentioned that his grandson Teddy was attending the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.  I mentioned to Tom that I generally make a trip to the Valley each January looking for interesting vagrant bird species.  I also knew that a Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) had been hanging around Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, so the beginnings of a little trip began to take shape.  I asked Tom to check with his son Andy and Andy’s wife Jenny to make sure they didn’t mind if I took Teddy to lunch.  In short order, I had a lunch date with Private First Class Teddy Reiser for Saturday, January 14, 2023.  To balance out this quick trip, I decided to add a visit to one of the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints, namely, Teddy’s Barbeque in Weslaco.  Here is my account of this little trip…

 

Friday, January 13, 2023

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park & The National Butterfly Center


I left the lake at 4:00 a.m. and headed directly to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission, Texas.  I made great time in light traffic and arrived at the park a little after 8:00 a.m.  By 8:30, I was in position at feeder number three, which is located near the La Familia Nature Center in the Park.   The object of my affection, a Rose-throated Becard, had made an appearance in the bushes near this feeder three straight days between 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., so I was hopeful the bird would offer me a look as well.  I watched and waited until 10:00 a.m.  While I saw lots of birds, the Becard was a “no-show”.  We had plenty of eyes, as there were four other people waiting and watching along with me.  When I got home, I saw on ebird that two people had seen the bird between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. that morning, so apparently we just missed it.  I left the State Park and headed next door to the National Butterfly Center, where I spent about an hour walking the property.  I saw some butterflies and a few birds and enjoyed a nice walk on a beautiful day.  Here are a few photos from that morning… 

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL MORNING AT BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY S. P. ON JANUARY 13, 2023.
THERE WAS A SMALL RAFTER OF WILD TURKEYS HANGING AROUND IN THE AREA OF FEEDER #3. HERE IS ONE OF THE MALES. SEE THE BEARD?
THERE WERE A LOT OF GREEN JAYS IN THE AREA...THEY ARE ALWAYS FUN TO WATCH!
THE BIRDS WOULD COME IN WAVES. HERE, AN ALTAMIRA ORIOLE LOOKS ON AS A GREAT KISKADEE AND RED WING BLACKBIRDS DOMINATE FEEDER #3.
WHILE EXAMINING THE BUSHES BEHIND FEEDER #3, I CAME ACROSS THIS -- WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS???

I left Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S.P., disappointed but not surprised.  Two years ago, my visit to the same park in search of a Ruddy Dove was also unsuccessful.  Maybe the third time will be a charm!

From the state park, I drove the short distance to the National Butterfly Center, which I had passed several times but had never stopped.  I hiked for about an hour, and, while not seeing many birds or butterflies, I enjoyed seeing the facility.  

A COLORFUL SIGN GREETS YOU AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER.
THE TRAILS WIND THROUGH HABITAT SET UP AND MAINTAINED TO ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES AND BIRDS.
THIS MONARCH BUTTFLY WAS A SURPRISE. MOST MONARCHS ARE GONE FROM THE VALLEY BY HALLOWEEN, MIGRATING FURTHER SOUTH. BUT IT IS NOT UNHEARD OF TO OCCASIONALLY SEE ONE STUBBORNLY HANGING AROUND ALL WINTER.
ONE SMALL CORNER OF THE BUTTERFLY CENTER IS SET UP TO ATTRACT BIRDS. THEY FEED TWICE A DAY, AND HAVE BENCHES AND SEATING FOR BIRDERS. I WATCHED TWO GREEN JAYS TAKING TURNS FINISHING OFF AN ORANGE.
NEAR THE END OF MY WALK, I RAN ACROSS THIS COLORFUL PEICE OF FOLK ART ON THE GROUNDS OF THE BUTTERFLY CENTER.

Teddy’s Barbeque & Estero Llano Grande State Park

After finishing up at the National Butterfly Center, I headed east to Weslaco for lunch at Teddy’s Barbeque, which is a Texas Monthly Top 50 Joint.  I found a modest and homey restaurant that did not disappoint.  I ordered a two-meat plate (brisket and ribs) with a double side of brussels sprouts.  The ribs were outstanding, and I could have eaten the brussels sprouts all day long.  I got the lean brisket (instead of the moist), and it was a touch dry for my liking, but good, none-the-less.  If I lived in the Valley, I would visit this joint on a regular basis.  For my in-depth review of Teddy’s, look here.  

TEDDY'S BARBEQUE IN WESLACO IS UNDERSTATED, UNASSUMING, AND PRODUCES SOME EXCELLENT BBQ -- MY KIND OF JOINT!
MY LUNCH AT TEDDY'S: BRISKET, RIBS, AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS (A TWO-MEAT PLATE WITH A DOUBLE SIDE, NO TORTILLAS).

After my very satisfying BBQ lunch at Teddy’s, I headed to Estero Llano Grande State Park, where I spent the rest of the afternoon.  I didn’t encounter any new birds, but I enjoyed visiting with old friends as I strolled around visiting the different habitats that the park presents.  I really enjoy visiting this park when I am in the Valley.  Here are a few photos from my walk.

I LOVE VISITING THIS LAID BACK LITTLE PARK.
I SPENT TIME AT THE VISITOR CENTER DECK WHICH OVERLOOKS THE IBIS POND. THERE WAS A LARGE FLOCK OF BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS WHICH WERE ENTERTAINING TO WATCH.
THERE WERE SEVERAL BLACK-NECKED STILTS HANGING OUT WITH THE DUCKS AT THE IBIS POND.
I ENJOYED SITTING IN THE SHADE AT THE PARK HOST'S FEEDERS AND WATCHED A VARIETY OF BIRDS, INCLUDING THIS LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER.

After spending several hours at Estero Llano, I was pretty tuckered out.  So I headed to my hotel where I took a shower, read a little, and collapsed into a deep sleep.  A long but enjoyable day for this old man!

 

Saturday, January 14, 2023

 

San Benito Wetlands, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, The Iwo Jima Monument at Marine Military Academy, and Lunch With PFC Reiser


Just before the crack of dawn, I left my hotel and drove over to the San Benito Wetlands.  It was a beautiful morning, and I enjoyed my walk around the Wetlands project.  Here are a few photos from my visit to the Wetlands. 

INFORMATIONAL SIGN SHOWING THE LAYOUT OF THE SAN BENITO WETLANDS. I VISITED ALL THREE PHASES OF THE PROJECT DURING MY WALK.
I WATCHED A LARGE NUMBER OF EGRETS AT THE PHASE III LAGOONS. IN THIS PHOTO, A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT STANDS OUT AMONG THE EGRETS.
FOUR BLACK-NECKED STILTS AT ONE OF THE PHASE II PONDS.
AS I WAS LEAVING THE WETLANDS, A FLASH OF COLOR DIRECTED MY ATTENTION TO THIS BEAUTIFUL VERMILLION FLYCATCHER.

After my pleasant early morning walk at the Wetlands, I headed downtown for a visit to the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum. The galleries in the main building of the museum hosted a colorful and interesting quilt exhibit, focused on the works of Shakespeare.  I toured the Lon C. Hill home, the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, and the Historical Museum building, home to an eclectic array of historical items and exhibits.  I always enjoy visiting museums in smaller towns, and, as was the case of this little museum, I always learn something new!  Here are a few photos.

THE MUSEUM IS ON THE SITE OF THE OLD HARLINGEN ARMY AIR FIELD, NOW IN DOWNTOWN HARLINGEN.
THE GALLERIES OF THE MAIN BUILDING CURRENTLY HAVE A QUILT EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY.
I ENJOYED THE HILL HOUSE, WHICH IS FILLED WITH AUTHENTIC ITEMS FROM THE HILL FAMILY.
ONE OF THE BEDROOMS INSIDE THE HILL HOUSE.
THE OLD STAGECOACH DEPOT AND INN AT THE MUSEUM.
INSIDE THE DEPOT, THERE IS A POST OFFICE, TICKET COUNTER, GENERAL STORE, AND ROOMS FOR RENT.
THE LAST BUILDING I TOURED WAS THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM, WHICH IS HOUSED IN WHAT WAS THE BRIG ON THE OLD ARMY AIR BASE. IT HOUSES AN ECLECTIC ARRAY OF EXHIBITS.
HOWARD BUTT (OF HEB FAME) DONATED THE BUILDING (THE OLD ARMY AIR BASE BRIG) TO HOUSE A GUN COLLECTION THAT HAD BEEN DONATED TO THE CITY FOR A MUSEUM.
THIS EXHIBIT AREA HAD ARTIFACTS AND INFORMATION FROM WORLD WAR II.
AN IMPROMPTU MUG SHOT AT THE OLD BRIG, NOW THE HISTORICAL BUILDING OF THE MUSEUM.

I left the Harlingen Museum and headed for the campus of the Marine Military Academy  (“MMA”), where I would be picking up PFC Teddy Reiser at noon.  As I turned onto Iwo Jima Blvd., the Iwo Jima Monument dominated the landscape and captured my attention.  In October of 1981, Dr. Felix W. De Weldon donated his original, full-sized working model of his sculpture of the flag raising on Iwo Jima to the MMA, as inspiration to the young cadets that attend the Academy.  The Iwo Jima Monument was dedicated April 16, 1982, on the MMA Parade Ground.  The Monument has 32-foot high figures that are erecting a 78-foot steel flagpole, from which an American flag flies 24 hours a day.  I parked and made my way over to the Monument.  I spent about 20 minutes admiring this sacred site, and was emotionally moved by the experience.  We are so fortunate to live in a country with men who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms and our way of life.  I then walked over to the Visitor Center and small museum and spent some time enjoying the exhibits on display there.   

WHAT AN IMPRESSIVE PLACE! YOU CAN SEE THE IWO JIMA MONUMENT ACROSS THE PARADE GROUND FROM THE ENTRANCE SIGN TO MMA.
I PASSED THE MAIN GATE TO THE MMA AS I TURNED AND PARKED AT THE VISITOR'S CENTER AND IWO JIMA MONUMENT ACROSS THE STREET.
THE ENTRANCE AND WALKWAY TO THE HALLOWED GROUND OF THE IWO JIMA MONUMENT.
THE MAGNIFICENT IWO JIMA MONUMENT. TO GET AN IDEA OF THE SCALE, THE M-1 RIFLE AND THE CARBINE, CARRIED BY TWO OF THE SOLDIERS, ARE 16-FEET AND 12-FEET LONG, RESPECTIVELY. THE CANTEEN WOULD HOLD 32 QUARTS OF WATER. AMAZING!
YOURS TRULY AT THE MONUMENT. JANUARY 14, 2023.
PLAQUE AT THE GRAVE OF HARLON H. BLOCK, NEAR THE IWO JIMA MONUMENT. CORPORAL BLOCK WAS ONE OF THE MEN WHO RAISED THE FLAG ON IWO JIMA, AND WAS FROM WESLACO, TEXAS, NOT FAR FROM HARLINGEN.
THE MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY VISITORS' CENTER, MUSEUM, AND GIFT SHOP.
INSIDE THE SMALL MUSEUM AT THE MMA VISITORS' CENTER.
JAPANESE FLAG ARTIFACT ON DISPLAY AT THE MMA MUSEUM.

The Highlight of My Little Trip:  Lunch With PFC Teddy Reiser…

As I finished up my visit to the Iwo Jima Monument and the Visitor Center Museum, it was time to meet PFC Teddy Reiser for our planned lunch.  I drove across the street and entered the main gate, then parked at the visitor’s parking lot next to the MMA Administration Building.  Teddy was right on time.  We loaded up and drove to The Texas Roadhouse.  For the record, we had a grilled shrimp appetizer, ribs (Teddy) and a steak salad (me).  The food was good, but the conversation was outstanding.  Not having a military background, I was interested in the daily routines at MMA and the command structure.  Teddy patiently explained it all to me.  To say that I was impressed with Teddy would be a gross understatement.  He was polite, poised, and personable, in a manner well beyond his 14 years.  He spoke to me of his goals, both immediate (continue to make straight A’s) and long term (to attend the Naval Academy).  I told Teddy how my wife and I met his grandparents and how close our families were as his father Andy grew up.  I attempted to convey to him how important this friendship and shared love of our families were to the growth of not just the children, but the adults as well.  After finishing up lunch, we returned to the MMA campus, and Teddy showed me around a little, pointing out his barracks and telling me a little about the atmosphere and routines that come with living at the MMA.  Rising daily at 5:00 a.m. and twice daily inspections of his quarters were two items that impressed me!  As I reluctantly said my goodbyes, my spirit was lifted and my faith in our younger generation was renewed — thank you PFC Teddy Reiser!  My final comment to Teddy was that I looked forward to attending his graduation from MMA, and reprising our lunch date, this time at the Naval Academy.  It is my hope that Teddy enjoyed our lunch, I know I certainly did!

I MET PFC TEDDY REISER IN FRONT OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT THE MMA, AT NOON ON JANUARY 14, 2023.
TEDDY AT THE TEXAS ROADHOUSE IN HARLINGEN. WHAT AN INTERESTING AND DELIGHTFUL LUNCHEON COMPANION!
AS WE WALKED ON CAMPUS TOWARD TEDDY'S BARRACKS, WE STOPPED AT THIS ARBOR FOR A PICTURE TOGETHER. TEDDY PLAYS PERCUSSION IN THE BAND, AND HE SAID THEY PERFORMED AT THIS LOCATION EARLIER IN THE YEAR. HE IS ALSO PART OF THE SQUAD THAT FIRES A CANON WHEN THE MMA FOOTBALL TEAM SCORES AT HOME GAMES.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE. TEDDY'S BARRACKS ARE IN THE SECOND BUILDING ON THE RIGHT.

The Drive Home…

After wishing Teddy a productive and enjoyable spring semester, we said our goodbyes, and I headed home to the lake.  I broke up the four-hour drive with a stop at the Brooks County Safety Rest Area, more commonly known as the Falfurrias Rest Stop.  This well-known little birding stop is a scenic little oak motte that has a little walking trail and a water feature feeding a small pond.  I didn’t see many birds, but did enjoy watching a Clay-colored Thrush militantly guarding the water feature, chasing away any bird that dared invade his turf.  

I made it safely home, energized and encouraged by my visit with young Teddy Reiser.  God Bless you Teddy!

I ENJOYED WATCHING THIS CLAY-COLORED THRUSH CHASE AWAY ANY AND ALL COMERS, INCLUDING A MUCH LARGER INCA DOVE. THIS GUY WAS HARD-NOSED AND FEARLESS!