Snapshot:
Explore the Devils River State Natural Area South Unit for the first time in Birding the Border History! In 2010, Texas Parks and Wildlife acquired the 18,000 acre Dan A. Hughes Unit. Currently closed to the public the Dan A. Hughes Unit is 13 miles downriver from Del Norte. The natural area contains unique cultural and archeological resources, including Lower Pecos Style rock art. Birding with Extension is thankful to gain access to this non-public state natural area!
Trip Dates:
Sunday, May 5th
Departure Time: 5:45 AM
Trip Fee: $150
Guide: Bryan Calk
Birding Buddy: TBA
Target Birds:
Greater roadrunner, cactus wren, zone-tailed hawk, gray vireo, varied bunting
Travel and Facilities:
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
This site is about 15 miles south of Dolan Falls and the Del Norte unit of the Devil’s River State Natural Area as the raven flies, giving it a slightly different feel as it sits a bit lower in elevation and further from the hill country. Driving around the property, you are treated to some spectacular canyon views below you, where the Devil’s River has cut through the limestone. The habitat along the road into the property is dominated by a rich mixture of desert scrub plants like black brush, cenizo, and lechuguilla, mixing occasionally with patches of juniper. Most of our visit, however, will be spent along the Devil’s River itself. It is wide and shallow here as we are near the river’s end where it feeds into Lake Amistad. More specifically, we will be walking along the transition zone where the scrub meets the narrow riparian corridor defined by lush sycamores, willows, and live oaks. This blending of habitats makes for a rich birding experience, and we hope to have highlights like Rock and Canyon Wrens, Yellow-throated Warbler, Tropical Parula, Bell’s Vireo, Painted Bunting, Cassin’s and Black-throated Sparrow, and many more. Come be one of the few who have ever had the opportunity to bird this special place!