New location brings out the crowd -- Birding Hike July 2016

  Twenty-six smiling faces watched the sun rise July 2nd over Interstate 35 from the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Hutchinson, US Fish & Wildlife Service botanist. Our group leader, Stephen Ramirez, was assisted by several Hays County Master Naturalists in answering questions from the large group.

Kenneth Dees talks to Sheila Fling at the start or our walk.

  The SMARC had recently completed a wildlife viewing station and two informational kiosks. The property is unique as it sits on the Blackland Prairie with tall grasses and wildflowers. A natural wetland on southeast section of the property brings in numerous water and shorebirds in addition to the prairie-loving Killdeer, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Shrikes, various swallows, Red-winged Blackbirds and Dickcissels.
  We were able to watch bird behavior as the mamma scissor-tailed encouraged her fledglings to take flight from a brush pile near the wetland. The Red-winged Blackbirds socialized in the leafless trees allowing for excellent spotting of the various field marks thanks to the early morning sunlight.
  While the birding list was not as extensive from previous hikes the variety and difference in species made the trip all the more interesting. And, as is always true, the camaraderie and shared interest made the early morning wake-up all the more enjoyable.
  The monthly birding hikes are held on the first Saturday of each month. Check the facebook page for San Marcos Bird Walk or contact Stephen@birdsIview.org and join the eMail list.

The viewing scope brings the field marks all the closer

11 species (+2 other taxa) total

2	Great Egret
2	Killdeer
3	Mourning Dove
1	hummingbird sp.
1	Ladder-backed Woodpecker
1	Crested Caracara
7	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
2	Loggerhead Shrike
1	Barn Swallow
7	swallow sp.
1	Dickcissel
10	Red-winged Blackbird
10	Great-tailed Grackle