Today being overcast for the most part this morning, we decided to go do a little clean-up around the Bird Blind at the SA State Park. I worked the trimmer, Ann done a little weeding. After that we put feed out, but there wasn’t action after that. The birds weren’t interested in entertaining us, I guess.
Speaking of an entertaining adventure, you might want to consider a birding trip to Cedar Gap Farm. To get there from San Angelo, take Hwy 67 north to Ballinger, Hwy 83 to Tascola. Join Hwy 84, go north about 5 miles or so, watch for Hwy CR150. I’m not entirely sure about that distance so watch the signs. Turn right on CR150, then take a left on dirt road Hwy CR563 and follow the signs to Cedar Gap Farm.
There you will find the Bird House, a rather large building. It is climate-controlled, seats probably up to 75 people if necessary, although the number never reaches that high, unless there is a special tour group or special occasion. Large windows surround the building for easy viewing. It is open from dawn ’til dusk everyday. There is no charge, but there is a donation box inside the door, if you care to contribute.
Juvenile Mississippi Kite
There is a variety of both western and eastern species that hang out there year round. Eastern and Spotted Towhee, Scrub Jay,Red-breasted Nuthatch, Indigo, Painted, and Lazuli Buntings to name just a few. A nearby pond invites shorebirds. There are also various trails looping through the Juniper and Mesquite to invite views of the vegetation and wildlife.
On a recent trip there I was fortunate to see a juvenile Mississippi Kite atop a
Mississippi Kite feeding young
utility pole. He was crying for his mother who was circling high overhead. Periodically it would swoop down to feed a little insect or tidbit. I set up my tripod with my camera and 500mm super-tele lens. I focused on the youngster, and waited for mama to begin her approach. When she did, I rattled off several exposures at 6.5 frames per second, and got some nice images of lunch being served. You can see those photographs here.
Cedar Gap Farm is owned by Homer and Earline Hutto. Contact them at 325-572-4738 or 325-669-2879 or e-mail: cedargapfarm@aol.com.
By the way, Ann and I did see approximately 250 American White Pelicans at O. C. Fisher Lake today. I hope they’ll hang around for awhile.
Happy Birding!!
See more photos at www.zellertexasphotos.com.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 