Sunday's itineraryTBA.
On Saturday, Feb 26, the group will meet at the Best Western in Nacogdoches at 7::45 AM, departing at 8:00 AM. The focus will be on finding Henslow's Sparrows, so Jesse and Mimi will lead the group to a private site where Henslow's Sparrows have been seen consistently in prior years, although less so recently. If they are not found at that spot, our leaders will take us to other locations where they have been seen in the past. In the afternoon, we will bird around Sam Rayburn Reservoir where Common Loon, Bald Eagle and various waterfowl are likely. Before returning to Nacogdoches in late afternoon or early evening we might make a stop to see Red-Cockaded Woodpecker.
Sunday's itineraryNacogdoches is the closest town to Saturday's starting point. However, Sunday's starting point is about 1 hour 15 min from Nacogdoches. Therefore, we meet at 6:45 AM (same meeting place), and depart at 7:00 AM on Sunday, the 27th. We will then look for Bachman's Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, etc. Note, Bachman's Sparrow is not a sure thing in late February. If Bachman's is the bird you are after, consider taking our May "warbler" trip to this area. We will have a much higher probability of finding them then. Eight species of woodpeckers are possible during these two days, including a possibility of Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
Walking may be somewhat difficult at times and some of it will be in tall grass which may be damp. Bring water-resistant footwear or an extra pair of shoes. There will be opportunities for birding around Sam Rayburn Reservoir, so scopes are recommended. It would be best to bring a sack lunch on Sunday.
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). Most of them will honor discounts (e.g. AAA or AARP). Most participants will probably want to stay at Best Western, the starting point each morning. We will meet in front and carpool from this location. Close by, are some lodging options to choose from. Quoted rates are from spring 2003.
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.
Comfort Inn, (936)-569-8100: singles and double (same price?) $69.95 + tax
La Quinta, (936)-560-5453: king size bed ($66.00 + tax); 2 full-size beds ($59.00 + tax).
The nearest camping opportunities are about 45 minutes from Nacogdoches on the Angelina National Forest (Townsend Park, $6.00/night), or the Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake, $10.00/night for tents & 15.00/night for site with electricity).