From Opus

This article is incomplete. This article is missing one or more sections. You can help the BirdForum Opus by expanding it.

Photo by HelenB
The Shin Oak Observation Deck at Balcones Canyonlands NWR, May 2005

United States, Texas

[edit] Overview

Balcones Canyonlands NWR is located in the Texas Hill Country, on the northern side of Lake Travis, between Marble Falls and Austin. The most important purpose of this refuge is to conserve the nesting habitat of two endangered songbird species, the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.

NOTE: the Shin Oak Observation Deck will be closed March 18th-April 5th, 2013, in order to give the endangered Black-capped Vireos some quiet time during the beginning of their nesting period.

The Balcones Songbird Festival will be held 26th-29th April, 2013

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler.

[edit] Rarities

To do

[edit] Checklist

Birds you can see here include:

To do

[edit] Other Wildlife

To do

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

To do

[edit] Areas of Interest

Try stopping at the Doeskin Ranch for a hike along the Rimrock trail to see Golden-cheeked Warbler country.

[edit] Access and Facilities

To do

[edit] Contact Details

To do

[edit] External Links

• Balcones Canyonlands NWR Official website
• Balcones Canyonlands NWR
• Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR

Content and images originally posted by charri & HelenB

[edit] Reviews

Steve Gross's review I've spent quite a bit of time here, and I really enjoy the fact that it's not a "touristy" location. Golden-cheeked Warblers and Black-capped Vireos give often great views at close quarters to those willing to be persistent. The priority at this refuge is clearly the endangered species that breed here, and that's fine by me. There is a Songbird Festival that offers field trips into not-usually-public sections of the refuge with knowlegeable trip leaders. Chuck Sexton is a fantastic guy and a great biologist. It's a pleasure to bird with him.

The Doeskin Ranch offers hiking opportunities through a nice variety of habitats, including Golden-cheek territories.

Make sure to bird along the Cow Creek Road when you pass between Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch. Pros

• Great access to endangered species
• no crowds

Cons

• (Minor negatives) No visitor center
• few amenities

ajmeyer5's review I spent several hours in the refuge one Saturday in early May 2006. I managed to find and photograph my first Golden Cheeked Warbler (very active little guy) at the Doeskin Ranch area by the creek about 100 yards from the parking lot. At the Shin Oak observation deck I heard and got a brief view of the Black-capped Vireo (very reclusive), and saw the Yellow-throated Vireo. Several other area residents and a late migrant or two made for a great outing. The temperature was still pleasant at that time of year. You can expect it to be very hot June through August in central Texas. Pros

• No fees
• no crowds

Cons

• limited observations points several miles apart