Snapshot:
The McKenna Ranch is full of history – many visitors have found arrowheads and other artifacts while walking the tributaries and paths along the Dry Devils River that provides an underground water source for many of the area ranches. The ranch has beautiful large oak trees that provide wonderful songbird habitat along with supplemental water managed by the landowner that make this site a birding oasis!
Trip Dates:
Friday, April 28 (Photography-focused)
Saturday, April 29
Sunday, April 30
Departure Time: 6:00 AM
Trip Fee: $150
Guides:
Laura Keene (Friday, April 28 – Photography-focused)
David Tønnessen (Saturday, April 29)
Katy Smith (Sunday, April 30)
Birding Buddies: Rose Cooper (Friday, April 28 – Photography-focused) Terry Hibbitts (Saturday, April 29) Patty Leslie Pasztor (Sunday, April 30)
Travel and Facilities:
Target Birds:
Black-capped vireo, verdin, varied bunting, painted bunting, hooded oriole
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
Ms. Mueller at the McKenna Ranch has done a fabulous job incorporating our management recommendations to make her land more bird- (and birder-) friendly. The supplemental water she has provided, in addition to great trails that meander along the wooded ravines on her property, make bird viewing easy. And what a great place to go see some great birds! Here at the far western edge of the hill country, you never know what you might see!
The photography-focused track at Birding the Border is a unique opportunity to bird and spend some time getting great pictures with our guide Laura Keene. Participants should know how to use the basic settings on their cameras; however, Laura will help guide you to getting that perfect shot! Photography-focused trips will include more sitting and waiting at birding hot spots and in blinds while still incorporating the opportunity to explore and take pictures of birds throughout the landscape. Because the McKenna Ranch has worked to provide supplemental water sources for wildlife, birders will enjoy these spots to sit and watch the birds in hopes of getting a wonderful shot!