Birding for Conservation
Ever wanted to know what a day in the life of a field researcher looks like, well here is your chance! Spend a rewarding morning in the field alongside researchers as you help locate black-capped vireo nesting territories and potential nesting sites. Learn how to identify habitat clues, observe nesting behavior, and contribute valuable data that supports ongoing research and conservation of this once-endangered songbird.
Participants will head up to Kickapoo Cavern State Park to join graduate student, Sarah Macha, from Angelo State University and her summer field technicians. Everyone will be teamed up with a researcher and set loose to find as many nesting territories as possible. While the main focus of this trip is to experience research at it’s core, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the other avian life Kickapoo Cavern State Park has to offer.
Note: participants will be required to attend a training at 3:30 PM on Friday, May 1
Trip Details
Trip Date:
Saturday, May 2
Departure Time:
6:00 AM
Trip Fee:
$135
Guide:
Ty Allen
Birding Buddy:
Emily Blumentritt
Century Club:
Kinney County
Travel & Facilities:
Target Bird:
- Black-capped vireo
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
When I was in high school, I would occasionally skip my last period of the day to go birding at Kickapoo Cavern State Park with my two birding mentors, one who was the social studies and art teacher and the other who was the guidance counselor at the high school! Kickapoo Cavern was a great opportunity for me to escape the brush country and run for the hills. Just a 20-ish mile drive north of Brackettville, and the species mix of birds becomes completely different! The park itself has extensive trails to explore the rolling hills and dry creek beds. Rare birds seen here in the past include band-tailed pigeon, Cassin’s kingbird, evening grosbeak, and more!