Birding Texas: Lost Maples State Natural Area

This Texas natural area was established to protect and preserve an isolated population of Big-toothed Maples (the largest east of the Guadalupe Mountains), but Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas also has bird watching habitats that are filled with a variety of species for you to enjoy. Consisting of over 2,000 acres located on Edwards Plateau in Texas, you can also hike, camp, fish, swim and picnic while bird watching here. Bird watching habitats at Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas include the shores of Cann Creek and the Sabinal River, limestone cliffs and canyons, ponds, plateau grasslands, and densely wooded slopes. You will find rare species such as the Green Kingfisher here, along with Greater Roadrunners, Western Scrub-Jays, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, and many more. The Big-toothed Maples have amazing fall foliage, so stop by in October to admire them in addition to bird watching. Please note that you should stay on the trails when bird watching here, as the Maples have a shallow root system that can be damaged by walking on the soil. Over 200 species of birds can be found while bird watching at the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas; for tips on finding and identifying just of few of these, see below.

Green Kingfisher. This rare bird can be found by Cann Creek at the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas, usually in April and May. Recognize this small kingfisher while bird watching from its dark green head, back and wings. It also has a white collar and belly, as well as a rufous band across it breast, and grey feet and legs. Look for it diving for insects and fish at the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas.

Golden-cheeked Warbler. One of the most at-risk species in North America, look for this pretty bird at Lost Maples State Natural Area in May and early April. You can find it on juniper covered slopes, where you will recognize it while bird watching from its bright yellow face, black cap and throat, and distinctive black eyeline. It also has a black bill, legs and feet. Golden-cheeked Warblers are on the Federal Endangered Species List due to loss of habitat.

Black-capped Vireo. A small vireo with olive upperparts, a black hood and white spectacles, look for it while bird watching on the grassy plateaus of the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas. April is the best month to find these little birds, which have been on the endangered species list since 1987, mostly due to the invasion of their nests by cowbirds. You may see them hanging upside down, foraging for food, while bird watching at the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas.

Pyrrhuloxia. This gorgeous bird resembles a cardinal, with a gray crest tipped in red, a red-washed face and breast, and a gray head, back and underparts. Recognize it while bird watching from its dark gray wings edged in red, along with its red tail and thick yellow bill. Look for it along the streamsides at the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas, hunting for insects, seeds, berries and larvae.

Ash-throated Flycatcher. Look for this flycatcher while bird watching in the streamside woodlands and thickets of Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas. You will recognize it from its pale gray throat and breast, as well as its grayish-brown tail with rufous highlights. It also has a yellow belly, and a black bill, legs and feet.

Black Phoebe. This is a medium-sized flycatcher that you will recognize while bird watching at Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas from its almost all black body, and white belly and outer tail feathers. In addition to insects, you will see it diving for small fish in the streams and ponds. You can also identify these birds while bird watching at the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas from their black legs, feet and bills.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/
http://wildtexas.com/texas-parks/lost-maples-state-natural-area
http://identify.whatbird.com