Pedernales Falls State Park Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Study: Home Schoolers Birding & Navigating

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.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Home Schoolers Birding & Navigating

This morning I devoted to teaching Home Schooled Students the basics of bird identification and navigation skills using a compass. At 6:30 A.M. I arrived at the bird blind to fill the various feeders.
Four children arrived at the blind just after 8 A.M. Our Avian friends provided a nice mix of species for viewing. The children learned Northern Cardinals have a crest that sometimes is not raised. Another bird made its bold entrance the Western Scrub Jay. Black-chinned Hummingbirds were numerous at the two sugar water feeders.
The bird blind provided a new view of birds to these children. Even the parents were amazed at how "up-close" the birds were. The children enjoyed the striking facial pattern of the Carolina Chickadee. Black-crested Titmice and a female Painted Bunting were viewed by all. Some children even spotted Yellow Warblers which were feeding in the Mesquite tree above the bird baths. A male and female Brown-headed Cowbird arrived just before we left. The children learned this species is a brood parasite laying its eggs in other birds nests.
On the walk out we stopped by the Chimney Swift Tower to learn about this species special nesting and perching requirements, as well as food preferences. The park now has two Chimney Swift Towers. You can learn how to build your own tower by clicking on this Chimney Swift Tower link.

The morning ended with a Compass Transect Course where the children walked chains in different directions. They also recorded the number of chains between two park roads which will provide some math exercises later on in class.
We finished the morning by hiking down to the Falls to view the impressive rock formations. Thank you Perry, Micah, Malcom and Christian for joining me on this adventure at Pedernales Falls State Park, and thanks to Louis Larrey for help with the transects and to the parents for rising so early! I believe a few children will return to the bird blind and maybe even start a Life List.