Schulle Canyon bird walk first of the year

Blue Jay atop Chinaberry tree. [Colton Robbins photo]

   The morning sun was hidden by clouds that remained from the rain that left almost an inch overnight January 3, 2015. The moist air and cool winter temperatures kept most of our search subjects hidden from view as the temperatures did not reach 40 degrees until the sun broke through the cloud cover.
   Schulle Canyon is listed as number 061 on the Texas Parks, "Heart of Texas - Wildlife Trail East." While not teeming with numerous species, the densely wooded, 16 acre site can be a dependable source for cardinals, titmice, wrens, sparrows and woodpeckers.
   Ten hearty souls joined Stephen Ramirez for the January birding walk held on the first Saturday of each month. Colton Robbins assisted and provided the list of birds seen. The morning walk did not disappoint as the birders were treated to a sighting of a Golden-crowned kinglet that remained visible long enough for everyone to view the beautiful yellow feathers that add to the name through the spotting scope.
   The wooded walk required knowledge of bird vocalizations as many birds remained sheltered among the branches and leaves of the trees. Calls gave hint to location but movement and flight aided in observation.
   Contact Stephen at www.birdsIview.org to be added to the notification list.   --LJ
   

15 species total

1	Black Vulture
3	White-winged Dove
1	Golden-fronted Woodpecker
4	Blue Jay
1	American Crow
2	Carolina Chickadee
1	Black-crested Titmouse
3	Carolina Wren
2	Bewick's Wren
1	Golden-crowned Kinglet
4	Ruby-crowned Kinglet
3	Northern Mockingbird
1	Orange-crowned Warbler
5	Northern Cardinal
1	House Sparrow