Target birds
(description by Jesse Fagan):Saturday-Sunday with optional Monday, April 30, May 1-2, 2005, 2-1/2 days.
East Texas Pineywoods. This trip was quite popular - and successful - in 2003 and Jesse Fagan has provided a 2003 report and trip list. In 2004, the group accomplished the amazing feat of seeing all 14 species of breeding warblers in ONE DAY. We doubt that milestone will be crossed again ... well, maybe once more in 2005! Jesse gives us a 2004 report and trip list that includes all 23 species of warblers seen.
Target birds
(description by Jesse Fagan):East Texas can be a wonderful place to witness the amazing spectacle of spring migration. I believe warblers are the crown jewel of this event. Each year, a few of us in Nacogdoches attempt to see as many as 30 species of Parulids in a single birding day. Though we have yet to achieve this goal, it is possible. However, even more impressive is that the Pineywoods are home to 14 species of breeding warblers! During the 2.5 days you will spend in the East Texas region we will attempt to see all of the breeding warblers: Northern Parula, Prairie Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Swainson's Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat. Of these, special emphasis will be placed on locating Prairie Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, American Redstart, Swainson's Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Kentucky Warbler. In addition, you can expect to see migrant vireos, warblers, and tanagers.
On the first day we will begin in the Davy Crocket National Forest, with afternoon birding in the Nacogdoches area. It is possible to see all fourteen breeding warblers in the Davy Crockett. Depending on Saturday's success we will either return to the Davy Crockett or travel to the Angelina National Forest for other Pineywood's specialties such as Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman's Sparrow. An optional half-day has been set up for birding at Pecan Acres Park in Nacogdoches. This local migrant trap can be very good for passerine migrants during the first week in May. Species seen the last two years include Warbling and Philadelphia Vireos, Veery, Gray-cheeked and Swainson's Thrushes, 31 species of warblers (over two seasons), Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. NOTE: many of the pecan trees in the park are somewhat sizable and "warbler-neck" is common. We hope to see you on what will surely be a very active and productive trip.
Jesse Fagan and Randy Pinkston.
$75/person, includes 3 days. Fee benefits TOS. Provide your own transportation, food, lodging. Preference given to TOS members. Price for non-TOS members is $90/person.
Nacogdoches is about 20 miles north of Lufkin on Hwy 59. The area where the following hotels are located is on Hwy 59 and the Nacogdoches loop (extreme southside of Nacogdoches).
Comfort Inn, (936)-569-8100: singles and double (same price?) $69.95 + tax
Best Western, 3428 South Street. (936)-560-4900: 1-2 persons is $52.00 + tax (for 2, just ask for 2 beds). Participants will need to tell the front desk person that they are with the TOS field trip.
La Quinta, (936)-560-5453: king size bed ($66.00 + tax); 2 full-size beds ($59.00 + tax).
Since the Best Western was the best price and is in a convenient location, this will be our starting point on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We will meet in front and carpool from this location. We suggest trying to find a room at this location, but all of the other hotels are very close. Let's plan to get an early start on Saturday, meeting at the Best Western at 6:15 a.m. You can make reservations by calling the above numbers. Most of them will honor discounts (e.g. AAA or AARP).
You will need all the "normal" birding gear. However, specifically, you will want to have appropriate rain gear, which includes a rain/wind breaker and a small umbrella. Light, misty rain showers can sometimes be quite birdy and we will continue birdwatching if this is the case. In addition, bring a few long-sleeve shirts and pants. This is your first protection against insects and our most environmentally friendly option. However, just in case, do bring an effective bug-repellant. We will be birding in bottomland forest with standing water and PLENTY of insects.
Maximum of 15.
Contact Russell Nelson by e-mail at region5@texasbirds.org If you do not have access to e-mail, you can contact Russell through his cell phone at (512) 431-1420 and leave a voice-message to be called back.
Full payment due upon registration. A mailing address for the check will be provided when you contact us by email.