Pipeline Hike & Breeding Bird Nest Searches

I began today hiking the Pipeline Trail all the way to the end where underground gas and oil cross the above ground power grid (photo). It was gorgeous hiking at this early hour. I had some good looks at the Ash-throated Flycatcher, plus I heard one unidentified migrating warbler. It sang once but the song was not one I was familiar with.
Next stop was the Bird Blind where I just missed a Blackburnian Warbler, however, I did see a Yellow Warbler who was working the mesquite tree above the water baths.

Hackenberg Creek was my final stop in the park today. I walked the two Golden-cheeked Warbler territories. The one territory I have been following closely, the male sang for me the entire 1-1/2 hours I watched him. I followed him around to the usual tall oak trees and listened intently for any peeping nestlings, but none were heard. To the right is another sunrise photo looking out from the main entrance headquarters.

Finally, I ended up at the Pedernales River where I saw two Green Kingfishers, one squawking and chasing the other through the clearing and into the woods. I believe this was a fledgling begging for food in hot pursuit of it's parent.

The female Northern Cardinal was sitting tight on her nest as was the White-eyed Vireo. All is well for breeding birds at Pedernales Falls State Park.