This is a fabulous site in the "Texas Hill Country" west of Austin which has both
Golden-cheeked Warbler and
Black-capped Vireo, the two highly range-restricted specials in this habitat. They are fairly inobtrusive unless singing, so dawn is best, and I got them both after quite a bit of effort. The vireo was easier than the warbler, mainly as its area is closer to the main road.
Several other specials occur in this habitat including
Canyon Towhee, Canyon Wren, Scott's Oriole, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, and they were all pretty straightforward. I also caught up with
Black-chinned Hummingbird (common at every feeder),
Cassin's Sparrow and
Lark Bunting (both in open fields along the entrance road).
A feature of the park was the amazing number of sparrows and allies. In various places I saw 10 species of sparrow;
Rufous-crowned, Cassin's, Black-throated, Field, Clay-coloured, Chipping, Savannah, Lark, White-crowned and
Lincoln's.
Golden-cheeked Warbler.Quite a little cracker!
Black-capped Vireo.
Scott's Oriole.
Canyon Wren.
Field Sparrow.
Lincoln's Sparrow.
Lark Sparrow.
Black-throated Sparrow.
Clay-coloured Sparrow.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow.
Cassin's Sparrow.
Canyon Towhee.
Spotted Towhee.
Lark Bunting.
Black-chinned Hummingbird. Male...
...and female.
Lesser Goldfinch.
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