[Vectis Birder]

I have got the opportunity to go to the Davis Mountains in West Texas in the first week of June (not the most optimal time, I think you'll agree, but I am going to the Texas Star Party). So, what is the birding like in the Davis Mountains at this time? I have been before but not birding. I'll be in and around Fort Davis and I won't have a car.

Cheers
VB

[Vectis Birder]

No info? Ok.

[Larry Lade]

I have birded in Texas a couple of times, but went mostly down around the Rio Grande River. I did not make it to the Davis Mountains (will have to do that sometime, though). Sorry, I can help you out with what might be "out and about" now in that area.

[Vectis Birder]

Thanks anyway, Larry.

I have just sent off for a book called 'Birds of the Trans-Pecos' which covers that area, so hopefully that'll contain the info I need.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Many years ago I spent a weekend birding in the Guadalupe Mountains, which I think is not far away. It was in November though, so the birds would have been a bit different. It was good though! I remember seeing Phainopepla and Acorn Woodpecker there. I might try and find some notes to give a bit more detail though.

[Steve Gross]

The Davis Mountains have great birding, though there's not much public land at all. The Observatory grounds themselves (I assume that's where the star party is held) have produced Montezuma Quail quite often. Birding anywhere in the area can be great.

Specific spots to hit if possible:

1. Balmorhea Lake in the town of Balmorhea.
2. Balmorhea State Park
3. Davis Mountains State Park
4. The Observatory grounds
5. The Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area west of the observatory (also called Madera Creek Picnic area; it's the only picnic area around).

The Birds of the Trans-Pecos will help, but I'd also recommend The ABA Guide to the Rio Grande Valley. It covers the Davis Mountains as well, I believe (I don't have my copy close at hand).

Feel free to contact me at sgross77 AT comcast.net if you have any other questions. I'll be leading field trips in the area for the Texas Ornithological Society meeting in early May, so I'll have an idea of any key spots I haven't mentioned above.

Best of luck. It's a great area and well worth the effort to get out there.

[Vectis Birder]

Hi Steve and thank you for the info. The star party is actually at the Prude Ranch, 12 miles from the Observatory (I guess you're referring to the University of Texas McDonald Observatory), but I will be going to the Observatory on a tour of the telescopes although I've been to the Obs. before so this time I'll probably bird the grounds instead.

[Steve Gross]

The Prude Ranch is right where nesting Common Black-Hawk and Gray Hawk have been over the last few years. The State Park is very close to the Ranch as well. That should help your birding chances quite a bit.

[Vectis Birder]

That sounds good Steve. I have sent off for a copy of the ABA guide you mentioned, too, although I had a job finding one as it's out of print. Managed to get a copy from Wildsounds.