Pine Warblers

The Pine Warblers seem to be increasing in numbers and frequency in Central Texas. Many are saying it was about three years ago that this species began to show around Lake Waco. Today many local birders are reporting them. A small group of birders went to the Pecan Grove and Soccer Fields last month and were delighted by the sighting of several of these as they hopped along the ground and flew to low lying branches in the grove. Their yellow neck and breasts made sharp contrasts to the blue backs and orange fronts of the Eastern Bluebirds which inhabit this area. Still, others are reporting Pine Warblers at their feeders and bird baths. In fact, this writer has notice far fewer Yellow-rumped Warblers this year and wonders if the Pines are not the cause.

Photographs by Bill Ravenscroft

Eastern Bluebirds & The Pecan Grove

I find myself often roaming the Pecan Grove near the Soccer Fields below Lake Waco Dam in Central Texas. This is prime habitat for Eastern Bluebirds. The old grove of pecans provides abundant nesting cavities. Because of its juxtaposition to the open fields and the adjacent spillway for the water flowing from the impounded lake, this is one of the best birding places within the area. Eastern Bluebirds are species of “the edge effect”. They enjoy and utilize to great success places where forest adjoins field.

Often sighted in the vicinity are Downy and Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Great Crested Flycatchers, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice. Overhead Great Blue Heron, Great Egrets, and Double Crested Cormorants fly crossing from the river to the lake and back. Raptors and Vultures are sometimes gliding across the fields high above. In the spring and summer, one is treated to some wonderful acrobatics of low and fast flying Barn Swallows. In winter, Brown Creepers forage in the grove, and overhead you can spy ducks and geese. An hour or two any morning spent at this locale is well worth the time.

Photo by Bill Ravenscroft