Aloha Everyone,
South Llano River State Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. As you drive along the entrance road into the park, you will pass the first of a number of bird blinds that are scattered throughout the 2,630 acre track.
The bird blinds are well maintained and equipped with benches, a log book where visitors may record the birds observed plus very helpful bird identification books.
Feeders and bird baths allows you to observe a variety of birds (approximately 225 species at South Llano River State Park) depending on the time of year.
Our birding participants led by Ranger Holly were serious and knowledgeable. Most of us were delighted to see the Painted Bunting. This colorful and attractive native Texan also has a distinctive singing style which makes it easy to discern. April is a perfect time to be at South Llano River State Park. The Painted Bunting migrates to Mexico during the winter months.
Two other rare and endangered birds we saw are the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and the Black-Capped Vireo. Photos courtesy of Audubon.org
By our campsite, there seems to be nests of hummingbirds. They buzz around like bumblebees so I could not ascertain whether they are the ruby-throated or the black-chinned humming birds. Either way, they were very entertaining.
Alison is from Florida and she is an experienced birder. She also practices meditation. It was wonderful to meet a fellow birder who also can converse about Pena Chödrön, Tonglen, Bodhichitta and other Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Aloha -- Cathi
