Registration required one week in advance (by February 11, 2023). Minimum for the trip is 3 participants. For the protection of all participants, all Field Trip attendees MUST be vaccinated against COVID 19. NOTE THAT CURRENTLY FIELD TRIPS ARE OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES.
This area is considered one of the top birding spots in the Coastal Bend, especially in the winter. This collection of lakes and pools provides habitat for a rich assortment of waterfowl.
NOTIFY OUR FIELD TRIP LEADER, GENE BLACKLOCK, THAT YOU PLAN TO GO ON THIS FIELD TRIP. NOTIFY GENE BY TEXTING HIM AT 361-558-1829 AND PROVIDING YOUR NAME(S) AND CELL PHONE NUMBER(S).
Field Trip Group meets at 7:15 AM at the entrance to Pollywog Pond Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary (going North on Interstate 37, take the Sharpsburg Road exit from I-37, stay on the frontage road, go right at the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail sign, left on Upriver and sharp right into Polliwog). Signs will be posted.
Please do not forget water, hat, insect repellent and snacks.
Reminder: Please dress appropriately, suggest baggy cryptic clothing (never white or black, never bright colors like red), hat, insect repellent, comfortable shoes (shoes preferably with ankle support), a light rain jacket (optional), drinking water and snacks. Recommend binoculars and field guide.
Bathroom Availability: There will be no bathrooms available in the Pollywog Pond area, so please use a public restroom nearby before starting the trip. The Field Trip Group will take a restroom/ snack/drink break at a McDonald’s in the vicinity during the morning. The McDonalds is located at Violet Road at Leopard Street, 11202 Leopard Street, Annaville, TX 78410.
Lunch: Optional - The Field Trip Group can choose a lunch place after the Field Trip is concluded.
Trip Description: slow walking, energy required: moderate to considerable
Equipment: beginners, please have a field guide, binoculars or scopes if it is desirable.
Habitat: Corpus Christi- Oxidation Ponds, Woodlands, and Mid Tamaulipan
Birds of special interest: waterfowl, grebes, White-tipped Dove, marsh birds, Sandhill Crane (overhead), shorebirds, wading birds, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Green Kingfisher, Black Phoebe (rare), vireos, Green Jay, wrens, Golden-crowned Kinglet (possible), Black-crested Titmouse, Verdin, Clay-colored Thrush (rare), Long-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Olive Sparrow, White-throated and Swamp Sparrows, towhees, Black-headed Grosbeak (rare), Pyrrhuloxia, and American Goldfinch.
Download seasonal Coastal Bend checklists from Coastal Bend Audubon Society's webpage.
CBAS field trips are an extension of a classroom learning experience, so please bring binoculars & field guide references (books, phone apps). Questions are encouraged and are welcomed.
Field trip summary will be reported on eBird, Facebook, Twitter and CBAS on line.