Field Trip Description: This will be a “Bird Sit,” at the Irene DeWeese Observation Tower at the Coastal Bend Audubon Society’s North Bay Sanctuary in San Patricio County. The Sanctuary is a 75-acre property that features several prominent south Texas habitat types as well as 2 wetlands and abundant wildlife. We will count all birds seen and heard between 7:00 and 11:00 AM. Co-Leader for this trip will be CBAS Board Member, Mike Wenzel, Sanctuary Manager. For those interested, Mike will provide a walk about through portions of the sanctuary. A blind is available for photography.
Registration required one week in advance (by April 6th). Minimum for the trip is 3 participants. NOTE THAT CURRENTLY FIELD TRIPS ARE OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES.
NOTIFY OUR FIELD TRIP LEADER, GENE BLACKLOCK, THAT YOU PLAN TO GO ON THIS FIELD TRIP. TEXT GENE AT 361-558-1829 AND PROVIDE YOUR NAME(S) AND CELL PHONE NUMBER(S).
Group Meets: The Group will meet, starting at 6:45 AM at the Sanctuary, which is located at 655 County Road 1432, Aransas Pass. Driving Instructions: : Go North on TX 35, take the SH 136 exit just past Gregory; then turn Left on SH 136 (towards Bayside). Look for a water tank on the left & turn right following the tank onto County Road 93/1432. Go to the end of CR1432. Entrance gate is on the left and there will be a sign for the Sanctuary. It is recommended that you park your vehicle along the County Road since the area is very brushy. This is a come and go event, but early morning viewing is best.
Rest Stop / Bathroom Break: There are no restrooms at the Sanctuary, so it is recommended that you stop at a public restroom in Gregory or Portland.
Stress level: Low. It is recommended that you bring a folding chair, binoculars or a scope, and a hat, since most of the activity will consist of sitting, identifying birds, and counting species numbers.
Birds of interest: waterfowl, Northern Bobwhite, grebes, Groove-billed Ani*, Greater Roadrunner, marsh birds (Purple Gallinule), Wood Storks, cormorants, Anhinga, wading birds, migrating hawks and swallows; songbirds heard and seen in the "low to mid Tamaulipan" habitats.
*Possible but unlikely
MATERIALS TO HAVE AVAILABLE: Scope, binoculars, comfortable hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially for chiggers & mosquitoes). Always be on the look out for fire ants and snakes. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks optional.
OPTIONAL: a Bird Field Guide or Bird ID apps.