BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE
GUADALUPE RIVER DELTA – MCFADDIN FAMILY RANCHES
This CBC has been conducted 3 times and has placed in the top 5 counts nationally for total species each year. The count surveys one Texas Parks & Wildlife Department wildlife management area, 2 chemical plants and a number of private ranches. The CBC specializes in trying to locate lingering neotrops which it does well. It also has high diversity since it is positioned at the border of South Texas and also adjoins coastal marshes.
Birding Opportunities:
BOATS: There are at least 25 miles of the Guadalupe River within the count circle where the riparian forest can be birded from a canoe or motor boat. We have permission to bird about ½ of the shoreline. So, birders can get out and walk as well as travel the river by boat. We typically have at least two boats working the river, but could use one more.
Parts of Hynes Bay, Guadalupe Bay and Mission Lake are accessible by a shallow draft motor boat and we need assistance surveying these tidal areas. The boat would need to be launched at Austwell.
GROUND: We have access to small and large ranches which provide access to a variety of habitat ranging from riparian forests, Tamaulipan thorn scrub, native grasslands, coastal marshes and suburban.
Most birders will be expected to bird from foot with occasional driving with vehicles. Birders will need to bring their food and drink with them. Supper will be provided at the count-down on the Womack Ranch.
There are only about 50 miles of public roads within the count circle. We need one or two teams to survey roadside habitats and suburban areas for geese, longspurs, Burrowing Owl, Merlin, Ferruginous Hawk, Harlan’s Hawk, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Black-crested Titmouse, hummingbirds, W. Meadowlark, Say’s Phoebe, Brewer’s Blackbird, etc.
Contact brent.ortego@tpwd.state.tx.us if you need more information, or plan to attend.
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