Snapshot
Devils River State Natural Area is one of the HIGHLIGHT TRIPS each year at Birding the Border as we share all the uniqueness that the Devils River has to offer including:
- The unique opportunity to see hybrid parulas. Particularly along this portion of the Devils River, breeding ranges of northern and tropical parulas overlap.
- A tremendous biodiversity of flora and fauna as the Chihuahuan Desert, Edwards Plateau, and southern Texas Plains ecoregions meet here.
- Pristine water from the abundance of springs that supports state-listed threatened and endangered species including the Devils River minnow and Conchos pupfish.
Thanks to our friends at Texas Parks and Wildlife, participants will have the unique opportunity to drive past the gate and explore parts of the Devils River State Natural Area that are typically closed to the public.
While the 5:30 am departure and 2-hour drive time may deter you, the beauty of this rugged terrain and diversity of birds are well worth it! An educational presentation will be hosted during lunch in the field about hybrid parulas found in this area. Participants will have the added experience of birding along the river at Dolan Falls; however, we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Texas Nature Conservancy to try to make this opportunity available.
Trip Dates:
Friday, April 28
Saturday, April 29
Sunday, April 30
Departure Time: 5:30 AM
Return Time: 4:30 PM or later
Trip Fee: $140
Guides:
Katy Smith (Friday, April 28)
Bryan Calk (Saturday, April 29)
Romey Swanson (Sunday, April 30)
Birding Buddies: Patty Leslie Pasztor (Friday, April 28) Ty Allen (Saturday, April 29) Erin Swanson (Sunday, April 30)
Travel and Facilities:
Target Birds:
Couch’s kingbird, white-tipped dove, ringed kingfisher, tropical parula, varied bunting
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
This trip almost needs no introduction for those in-the-know. The Devils River is beautiful, wild, and overflowing with possibilities. This land and water are so pristine and so special that it is really not something you want to miss! During Birding the Border, we get to explore the property at our leisure, including spots typically off-limits — usually, you must experience the SNA basically all on-foot under the big Texas sun. From rolling hills of juniper to the sycamore-lined river itself, the scenery is as diverse as the birds. Rare birds recorded here in the past include breeding rufous-capped warbler, common black hawk, and many neotropical migrants.
Check out this Texas Monthly article to read more!