Experience the Best of Both Worlds
The Monarch Ranch is a vast private holding along the Devils River in Val Verde County, defined by limestone canyons and desert uplands that descend into a verdant riparian corridor lined with mature pecan, live oak, and sycamore. With more than five miles of river frontage and roughly 40,000 acres, it ranks among the region’s standout live-water properties. Karst features shape much of the ranch beyond the river, including caves and sinkholes such as Fern Cave, often cited as the largest cave in Texas by volume and known for seasonal bat use.
The ranch also encompasses the entire Phillips Creek drainage, a spring-influenced system with its own distinct vegetation and microhabitats that differ from the main river corridor. Conservation is central to how the property is managed, with a long-standing easement involving The Nature Conservancy and stewardship work focused on riparian health and landscape-scale protection.
Trip Details
Trip Date:
Sunday, May 3
Departure Time:
6:15 AM
Trip Fee:
$160
Guide:
Romey Swanson
Birding Buddy:
Erin Swanson
Century Club:
Val Verde County
Travel and Facilities:
Target Birds:
- Gray vireo
- Varied bunting
- Tropical parula
- Ringed kingfisher
- Zone-tailed hawk
Bryans Birdy Bulletin
For birders, the Devils River and Phillips Creek corridors act as magnets within an otherwise arid region, concentrating neotropical migrants like warblers, flycatchers, and supporting notable breeders like Tropical Parula and Ringed Kingfisher. Gray Hawk, a scarce local breeder, and Common Black-Hawk, a rare local breeder have both been found here in the past, alongside the more common Zone-tailed Hawk. Juniper and scrub habitats away from the water add further potential for birds such as Gray Vireo and Varied Bunting, and limited access means much of the ranch remains lightly explored, offering genuine opportunities for discovery during our visit. Come help us make some new discoveries at this remarkable place!