Ringtail Ridge site of July Bird Walk

Lots to see on the Berms Trail

  Warm and humid, (what Texas summer isn't?), 22 avid birders met at the trail head for Tex's Trail July 1st. The 45-acre natural area contains three ponds, one of which still retains enough water to entice a small flock of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. After circling several times they landed in the pond among the aptly named, duckweed. We were able to move quietly and use the scope to view not only the very vocal ducks but also a Green Heron roosting on the only stick in the pond.
  Both Stephen Ramirez and Colton Robbins were able to identify and locate the elusive White-eyed Vireos and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Walking along the Berms trail we spotted more interesting insects among the Prickly pear cactus and mesquite trees. A Robber fly devouring a meal of another insect were among the natural observations made that morning.
  The monthly walks are sponsored by the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance and held at daybreak on the first Saturday of each month. They are ably led by Stephen Ramirez, now in his sixth year of leading the walks, and assisted by Colton Robbins, who provides the complete list of the birds we see each month and excellent photos of the different birds. The list is archived at eBird and is a useful guide of the birds seen at the natural areas and parks around San Marcos.
  The walks are at no charge but birders are encouraged to register at Stephen@birdsiview.org
  SMGA also sponsors a monthly bug walk led by Gabby Cole on the second Saturday of each month. Walks are held in a different natural area or park at 10 a.m. Both walks have their own Facebook page. View "San Marcos Bird (or Bug) Walk" for more information and past histories.  --LJ

Orb weaver spider on Prickly Pear cactus

Ringtail Ridge, Hays, Texas, US
Jul 1, 2017 7:02 AM - 8:17 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.4 mile(s)
Comments:     Monthly San Marcos Bird Walk. 75-80 degrees, partly cloudy, little to no wind.
24 species

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck  9
Green Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  1
Common Ground-Dove  1
White-winged Dove  2
Mourning Dove  1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Chimney Swift  1
Black-chinned Hummingbird  2
Ladder-backed Woodpecker  1
Western Kingbird  1
White-eyed Vireo  2
Barn Swallow  3
Cliff Swallow  1
Carolina Chickadee  3
Black-crested Titmouse  4

In the trees (Maggie Hutchins-Wagner photo)

Verdin  1
Carolina Wren  1
Bewick's Wren  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Painted Bunting  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Lesser Goldfinch  1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37941794