Our October 19th bird survey took place on a lovely morning with mild temperatures, perfect for spotting some of our feathered friends. It was a treat to see some of our winter residents moving in, a reminder of the seasonal transitions happening around us. With just two birders this month, we recorded an impressive 27 species, each offering its unique charm and beauty to the morning.
Join Us for the Next Survey
As we approach peak migration, we’re sure to see even more winter arrivals in the coming months. Our next survey is scheduled for November 16, 2024, at 7:30 am. All birding enthusiasts, beginners and experts alike, are welcome to join us as we explore the seasonal changes unfolding at the park. And don’t forget, we have a wonderful birding resource on our website! Plus, you can use apps like Merlin and eBird to help identify and track what is being seen in the park.
Highlights of the October Survey
It’s always exciting to welcome back birds that signal the changing seasons. This survey marked the "first of season" (FOS) sightings for a few winter favorites:
Eastern Phoebe: This small flycatcher was observed three times, another indicator that fall migration is in full swing.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: Always a pleasure to see, this early migrant makes its appearance in winter. One was spotted, settling in for the colder months.
Lincoln’s Sparrow: A single Lincoln’s Sparrow made its FOS appearance, a delight for both experienced and novice birders alike.
MOre HIGHLIGHTS:
Doves and Herons: White-winged Doves (15) and Mourning Doves (3) were among the more numerous birds spotted. Our waders included two Snowy Egrets and two Great Egrets, plus a solitary Great Blue Heron standing stately by the water.
Raptors: A Cooper’s Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk added a bit of excitement, gliding gracefully as they scanned for prey.
Woodpeckers Galore: A highlight was seeing a pair of Northern Flickers together, along with Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers adding their distinctive rhythms to the morning soundscape.
Wrens and Warblers: The woodland calls of Carolina Wrens (6) and the cheerful House Wrens (2) made the morning lively. We also spotted a Common Yellowthroat and a Wilson’s Warbler, adding a flash of color to the foliage.
A big thank you to our birders, who continue to make these surveys possible and to everyone who supports the preservation of our feathered friends and their habitats. We hope to see you in November for another exciting morning of birdwatching!
Full List of Birds Observed:
White-winged Dove - 15
Mourning Dove - 3
Snowy Egret - 2
Great Egret - 2
Great Blue Heron - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 (FOS)
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 2
Northern Flicker - 2 (seen together)
Eastern Phoebe - 3 (FOS)
Blue Jay - 6
Carolina Chickadee - 3
Red-vented Bulbul - 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 3
House Wren - 2
Carolina Wren - 6
Gray Catbird - 1
Northern Mockingbird - 2
House Finch - 3
Lincoln's Sparrow - 1 (FOS)
Great-tailed Grackle - 13
Common Yellowthroat - 1
Wilson's Warbler - 1
Cheers,
Mary Goldsby, FWP Birding Director and Texas Audubon Liaison