Pedernales Falls State Park Prothonotary Warbler Nest Box Study: Final Bird Survey of the Year

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, July 5, 2008

Final Bird Survey of the Year

Rufous-crowned Sparrows were out in force this morning. I heard them singing before sunrise along with Common Nighthawks and Chuck-will's Widows from the Park Office (sunrise photo). A Rufous-crowned Sparrow continues to claim territory above Twin Falls.

I still have a Louisiana Waterthrush on territory along Twin Falls Creek and the nesting Blue Grosbeaks now have fledged young. The other nest I was following is the Acadian Flycatcher nest #2 at Tobacco Creek Seep. There is one nestling which both parents are feeding. I believe this young will be fledged within the week. I also saw one Acad

ian Flycatcher fledgling from nest #1, along with an adult in the Tobacco Creek drainage.

At nest box #4 early in the morning I watched a Skunk rooting around and finally retire for the day in its den at the lower right base of this Live Oak tree root (photo). Directly after the skunk observation, I heard rustling in the grasses downhill. Two Armadillos were running around the

hillside playing. I thought for a moment I was contending with wild pigs.

Throughout the rest of the year I will continue to mountain bike and bird watch at Pedernales Falls State Park. However, I may only be visiting once or twice a month. Stay tuned as I will post any wildlife encounters.

The plant photo is Caster Bean, cultivated in Texas for its oil and as an ornimental. The plant is native to Ethiopia and all parts of the plant are poisoness. It is common along Twin Falls Creek. It grows near the water and can reach 5' tall. It has a cockle bur-like seed.