Hi, all,
I feel some responsibility to point out that Davis Hill State Park area may
not be the best place to bird because of safety concerns. I have been in
the park twice, both times on organized field trips that had permission to
be on the property. Both times the group was warned about leaving their
cars on the road, and on the road is the only place to park. We were
encouraged to carpool in the oldest cars available, bring a minimum of
items, and leave nothing in the car. This was several years ago, but
nothing has changed since that time. This park is not marked at all and
there is no way to know whether you are on park property or on private
property. You may find yourself face to face with a private property owner
eager to protect their property, or you may lose the windows in your car.
We did not experience a problem, but apparently others had.
Shelli Ellerbe
Liberty, TX
On Wed, May 25, 2016 at 1:41 PM, Brooke Nicotra <brookenicotra@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
I set out this morning to explore a state park I found recommended as a
good birding site. After more than 4 hours of searching, I decided that it
was only accessible by 4-wheel drive, if at all. However, in following the
instructions from my iPhone, I found a couple of good birding roads.
CR 2252 (off SR 105 via FM 2518, east of Cleveland), has great habitat.
Swamps, wet woods, upland woods, forests clear-cut and in all ages of
regrowth, farms. Very little traffic this morning. Problem with it is that
pavement ends and it is awful thereafter, with potholes eating up the whole
road. When I tried to get to the park from SR 146, on the east side of the
Trinity River, there was no bridge. Cr 2550 off SR 146 had lots of birds as
well, most notable lots of Acadian flycatchers, which I missed on the other
road.
At every stop there were White-eyed vireos and both Red-eyed and
Yellow-throated were heard. Yellow-billed cuckoos, Eastern wood peewees,
Summer tanagers, and Indigo buntings, and Blue grosbeaks were common.
Warblers included lots of Hooded, Kentucky, Northern parula and
Yellow-breasted chats. Others seen or heard included Prothonotary,
Nashville, Pine and Yellow warblers. I looked for and did not find Prairie
warbler, though there appears to be good habitat. Also missed Swainson's
although it should be there, I think.
Overall, a great morning of birding. If the state park ever gets opened, it
should be a great birding site.
By the way, if anyone knows how to get to the park, please let me know.
Brooke Nicotra, Kingwood, Harris County
--
Brooke Nicotra
Kingwood, Texas, USA
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