This very diverse CBC circle was developed by Mark Elwonger and Brent Ortego during the 1990’s. They recognized a nationally significant CBC could be developed in the area, but initially speculated that a very high tally would be limited because of several miles of bay separated the forested mainland from the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, a strategy was developed to focus more on lingering neotrops along the southernmost 15 miles of the Guadalupe River riparian forest rather than a maximum species count. They delayed starting the count because the local birding clubs were very busy supporting several area CBCs and there was a perceived lack of interest from the local landowners to allow birders to access their properties.

Area landowners started exploring ecotourism opportunities during the early 2000’s which peaked the interest of the birders, and exploratory mist-netting by Brent Ortego during winter on the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area captured N. Waterthrush, Ovenbird, and Yellow-breasted Chats on a regular basis. They decided to give it a shot and held the first count in 2004.

Our team of “local experts” predicted the CBC would likely get 188 species and would probably attract about 25 birders. They recruited landowners and as they got permission to survey land they recruited more birders. These sort of built on each other. The CBC ended up with 47 birders for the first count and reported 214 species which was a new CBC species tally record for a first time count in the United States. So much for our knowledge of the area

The initial success of the Guadalupe River Delta – McFaddin Family Ranches was due to the interest, skills and dedication of many people. Petra Hocky and Brush Freeman did an exceptional job of scouting and relocating birds along the southern end of the forested Guadalupe River and the shoreline of Hynes Bay. The Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area provided staff, equipment and access to their conservation lands. BP corporation provided sponsorship for the first 2 years and gave a guided tour of their property during the count. Lyondell Corporation provided sponsorship for 2 years and their properties were not even in the count circle. Numerous birders showed up for this new count from towns as far as 150 miles away. The most impressive assistance came from the McFaddin family ranches where Jess, Jesse and Walter Womack, Jan Wheelis and David Moore opened the gates to their ranches, provided themselves, staff and facilities.

One of the more unique count downs in Texas is held at this CBC. The Jess Womack Family Ranch provides an outstanding cook-out under the live oaks of the Guadalupe River floodplain after sunset. Tired birders dine on exceptional food and listen to the night calls of Barred Owls.

This CBC will continue to evolve through time and will one day report the highest tally in the Nation.

Contact Brent.Ortego@tpwd.state.tx.us if you would like to join us.

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