![]() ![]() Photo by Alan Murphyīoth birds can be found in two preserves not far from San Antonio: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, roughly 108 miles north, and Lost Maples State Natural Area, approximately 90 miles northwest of the city.Īt Balcones Canyonlands, stop at the refuge office and pick up a handy map of roads and trails, then head for Warbler Vista and Sunset Deck, located in prime Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat. Preserves north of San Antonio are great places to look. ![]() The striking Golden-cheeked Warbler breeds only on the Edwards Plateau in central Texas. Black-capped Vireo looks somewhat like a Bell’s Vireo but with a much darker gray or charcoal head and prominent white eye rings. The vireos eat insects and berries much lower to the ground, so when looking for the vireos, expect to find them on bushes, small saplings, and lower limbs of stunted trees. Consequently, when looking for Golden-cheeked Warblers, expect to find them singing and foraging overhead in treetops and high limbs.īlack-capped Vireos, however, prefer more open habitats of oak scrub and hillside brushy patches that dot the central plains. The species feeds mainly on insects, foraging through the upper portions of the forest. Its habitat in the central plains includes juniper and oak woodlands, with deciduous patches of hackberry, walnut, and pecan trees. Golden-cheeked looks similar to Townsend’s Warbler of the West and Black-throated Green Warbler of the East, with bright yellow cheeks, gray head and back, and white breast. For the adventurous spirit, it’s a perfect blend of birding and beauty. The route to find the five species crosses a wonderful and scenic mix of landscapes and habitats: the lush Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio, the Edwards Plateau, and miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. I soon hit the road and found them all, and on one of my most recent trips to Texas, I retraced my steps to find the original five target birds - with positive results. After a while, I devised a plan to spend as much time as needed and cover the ground required to fill five holes on my life list.Įach of the five birds has a rather small, confined range, but with research and diligence, I was confident I could locate them. Many years ago, when I was a relatively new birder, I made several visits to the state in search of them and missed a number of desired species. The list of songbirds that occur primarily or exclusively in Texas has sparked many a birding road trip. Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Print this Article Share to Email ![]()
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