The Century Club competition, organized by the Texas Ornithological Society, brought me to Central Texas this spring, a peak window for migration. While the primary objective was to expand my local county lists with new sightings, the region’s natural beauty provided an equally compelling reason to visit. Here is a look at the birds I found and the landscapes that framed them.
Scenic overlook trail at Lost Maples State Natural Area.
“The Pond” at Lost Maples.
Lost Maples is known for several Texas specialties: the Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo, and Tropical Parula. I saw those, as well as a Zone-tailed Hawk, a raptor which uses its vulture-like appearance to surprise its prey.
(click on a frame to enlarge)
I visited McKinney Falls State Park, near Austin, and birded Travis County.
(click on a frame to enlarge)
I also stayed at Riverside Park in Victoria, Texas, to finish up Victoria and San Patricio counties, where I was already well on the way to 100 species.
(click on a frame to enlarge)
Overview of places visited on this trip.