Pedernales Falls State Park Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Study: Pedernales Thanksgiving!

Prothonotary Warbler Occurrence In Texas

Central Texas draws the western line for the Prothonotary Warbler range. This species occupies much of eastern North America up to the southern boarder of Ontario Canada.
Prothonotarys' nest in natural cavities but also readily use nest boxes located on or near water. Flooded swamps represent ideal habitat but they will also nest along rivers or small bodies of water.
In May 2007 I saw a brightly colored male Prothonotary Warbler at Pedernales Falls State Park bird blind. After some research I learned male birds have been seen building nests in neighboring counties to Blanco County. Further research revealed a pair of Prothonotary Warblers successfully nested at Heard Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas.
In December 2007 I decided to undertake a nest box study at the park. January through February 2008 I hiked the entire Pedernales River and tributaries within park boundaries, in an effort to choose the best sites. Habitat selection proved a challenge do to high flood levels along the river.
Five sights were eventually selected where two nest boxes each were placed. Most boxes were attached to trees however two were attached to metal poles. These boxes were monitored from March through June 2008 on a weekly basis. A Breeding Bird Study was conducted at each nestbox location in 2008 and will be continued in 2009.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Pedernales Thanksgiving!

After the fog burned off this morning, and the sun warmed the countryside, I biked Wolf Mountain Trail where one can find scenic glimpses of the surrounding hillsides. All the oak trees still hold their leaves providing brilliant reds among a sea of rich green junipers.

My visit to the park this morning began at the bird blind where a Fox Sparrow added highlight to my day. Down at Hackenburg Creek and the Pedernales River I saw a Winter Wren who

delighted in the gnarly broken branches hung up in the bald cypress trees along the river's edge. This is the same place I saw this species last winter and spring. A Green Kingfisher flitted back and forth across the water, only a foot above its surface, in search of small fish.

Most of the bald cypress have dropped their needles leaving a brown soft mat along the shoreline. Water levels along the river are probably at winter lows. The water flowed lazily by with groups of cypress needles marking its flow rate.

I stopped at Jones Springs where the silence was perfect for meditation. Western Scrub Jays, and an occasional Black-crested Titmouse broke the silence as they came by to bathe and drink. Temperatures reached the mid 70's but with no noticeable wind it felt like 80 degrees. A perfect Thanksgiving Day to enjoy some physical exercise and the sites and sounds of wildlife in the park.