River Water Rises & Bird Nesting Activity

Last week's rains dropped almost 2 inches on Pedernales Falls State Park. Precipitation upstream brought greater flow rates to Pedernales Falls. Lots of folks were out today to observe and enjoy mother nature. To the right is one of many Rain Lilies which are abundant right now in the Hill Country, and below a mushroom popped up under a Cedar Elm tree which it has a symbiotic relationship with.

I arrived at Wolf Mountain Trail parking lot at 6:30 AM under clear skies and no wind. I could hear the roar of the falls over a mile away. I heard a Chuck-wills-widow just as I undertook my bike ride. My first bird survey began at East Park Boundary where Wild Turkey's were gobbling. By 8 AM I was at Tobacco Creek where I found Carolina Chickadees feeding young in a natural cavity, the same cavity they used last year. I also checked in on the Louisiana Waterthrush nest. Both adults were in the vicinity but I was unable to detect whether this bank cavity was still being used. The rains appeared to have washed down some mud possibly obstructing the entrance.
Nashville Warblers were common throughout the park today and singing. I also saw one Common Yellowthroat male.
My quest is still on to find a Golden-cheeked Warbler nest, of which there are many territories to choose from. During my search I discovered a Black-chinned Hummingbird nest high up in a Cedar Elm tree located in a ravine near the campgrounds. An Eastern Pheobe pair made their nest known to me today at Twin Falls. The nest is in a natural cavity located on a vertical rock face adjacent to the smaller pool. Both adults were feeding young in the nest and using nest box #1 as a perch.
The first Blue Grosbeak showed up at the Bird Blind today along with many Indigo and Painted Buntings. A field photography class, sponsored by the American Birding Association, were coming and going all day at the blind. One professional believed a first year male bunting to be a hybrid Lazuli/Indigo.
Spring migration is not over yet. I believe we have a few more weeks of exciting observations of transients and new avian breeders at the park this season.