High Island Birding Adventure - Part 1

We gathered in a far off place filled with wonders untold, and friendships that will last forever. The joys and sights held us captivated. Filled with a childish wonder and glee. And so begins Texas...... ***********************************************

Thursday morning, bright and early, the Loons began to flock to Brenda's house in Huntsville, northwest of Houston. The smiles and hugs were the best dawn chorus any one could ask for. Brenda's husband Jon prepared a fabulous fare of Thick Cut French Toast, served with coffee, while we enjoyed watching the birds on the deck.

Bren's house is surrounded by wonderful habitat. Pines and Sweet Gum trees abound, and her yard lies next to a large parcel of undeveloped land overgrown with native vegetation. The birds were as abundant and friendly as the people who raised their binoculars to see each one more clearly. The Red-bellied Woodpeckers seemed a tad put off by so many large eyes checking them out. The Jays and Cardinals put in their appearance, along with Pine Siskins that didn't seem to care if we were there or not. Only the briefest of showers threatened us, and the day soon warmed.

With breakfast in our bellies, we ventured forth to Jones Forest, where we hoped to see rare Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. After a short drive, we found the forest all to ourselves. The woods were thicker here, and the undergrowth lush. There wasn't a whole lot of activity, but there were several good birds to be seen.

A Hooded Warbler, perched on the end of a dead branch, and sang for us. He gave us some nice looks and a great performance. Further on, we began to hear the calls and song of Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireos. Wild flowers bloomed under the shady pines. Having seen all that we could, we returned to the ranger station for a picnic lunch.

With excellent company, wonderful sandwiches, crackers, chips, cookies, (more than any one could ask for), what could be better than a Scarlet Tanager singing from a support wire out in full view? Black and Turkey Vultures circled over the forest and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds hunted the open area next to the station. But the Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers still eluded us.

We moved on to one of the managed areas of the park. Next to a lovely pond was a grove of tall pine trees, bleeding sap. There were lots of signs that the woodpeckers were in the area, but we just couldn't find them. What an interesting adaptation in behavior, using the tree to protect your nest to the fullest. It was an amazing sight. We had a few passing glances at some vireos, and the search for woodpeckers was pretty much over.

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