It is peak nesting season for shorebirds in the Lower Laguna Madre, and while Green Island is of paramount importance, there are several other smaller islands under Audubon's protection that provide valuable nesting sites.
The spoil islands, just east of the town of Laguna Vista, are home to several different species including hundreds of laughing gulls and scores of royal terns.
These large terns with the bright orange bills and shaggy black crests are communal nesters and simply lay their eggs right on the ground.
If disturbed, they take flight in mass, but return quickly to shade and incubate their vulnerable eggs.
Joining the laughing gulls and royal terns are a couple of dozen black skimmers.
Skimmers are the only birds whose lower mandible is longer than the upper.
However, they are not out skimming the water for fish and shrimp with their specialized bills, but rather searching for the proper spot to lay their eggs.
A pair of oystercatchers shares the island with the gulls, terns and skimmers.
They use their strong, flattened bills to pry open oysters and pick out crabs.
However, they too are more intent on nesting activity.
Nearby, a great blue heron has chosen a patch of prickly pear to raise her foursome of active youngsters.
Just like on Green Island, the great blue herons are well ahead of the other waterbirds when it comes to nesting.
The Laguna Vista spoil is also home to a few dozen roseate spoonbills, which are spending the morning relaxing near the shore and preening their brilliant pink plumage.
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