Birding Texas: Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest

The Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest is located in the Pineywoods, eight miles from Nacogdoches, Texas and bordered by the Angelina River and the Alazan Wildlife Management Area. It consists of over 2,500 acres of bird watching territory, including forests of pines and hardwood, some over 100 years old. There are two trails that loop the area, which will allow you to observe at the spring-fed creek and other terrific spots. You'll find over 150 species while bird watching here. Please note that these trails are moderately difficult, so wear your walking shoes! For tips on finding and identifying some of the species you may see while bird watching at Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas, see below.

Wood Thrush. Recognize this large thrush while bird watching from its heavily spotted white chest and brown back. Wood Thrushes are about the size of American Robins, only slightly smaller. You'll find it in the interior forests of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas, foraging on the ground for insects and caterpillars. It also eats moths.

Swainson's Warbler. This warbler can be found while bird watching in the swampier areas of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas, foraging on the ground in the undergrowth for insects and spiders. Recognize it while bird watching from its brown, unmarked body and pale white eyering. It also has an unusually large bill. These warblers can be very secretive, but their loud, ringing call is unmistakable.

Red-headed Woodpecker. You can identify this woodpecker while bird watching from its completely red head, as well as the white patches on its wings and the base of its tail. It also lacks the horizontal stripes on its back that many other woodpeckers have. Look for it while bird watching in the forests of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas, foraging for seeds, nuts, fruits and berries.

Northern Harrier. Look for this large hawk while bird watching over the open areas of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas. You can identify it from its gray upperparts, white rump, and spotted white underparts. Its wings are long and gray with black tips, and its legs and feet are yellow. Northern Harriers rely on their hearing as well as vision to capture prey, including mice, small birds, and sometimes rabbits and ducks.

Sedge Wren. Identify this small wren while bird watching from its buff-colored body, thin bill, and the short tail it often holds upright. It also has bold streaks on its back and thin streaks on its crown. Look for it foraging in the grassy areas of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas for insects and spiders. If you startle a Sedge Wren while bird watching, it will run rather than fly away.

Purple Finch. This pretty, chunky little finch is easy to recognize while bird watching at Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas from its raspberry head and breast. It also has a brown back and white belly, as well as a large bill and a short, notched tail. Look for it in the mixed forests of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest in Texas, foraging high in the trees and also in the fields for seeds, berries and insects.

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/wildlife/trail.htm

http://www.allaboutbirds.org

http://identify.whatbird.com