Summer Heat Bird Survey

The heat of summer really penetrated the park today with no wind and 78 degrees under clear skies at 6 AM. There are still Painted and Indigo Buntings singing as well as a few Acadian Flycatchers, Northern Cardinals, White-eyed Vireos and a single Yellow-throated Vireo. A couple Louisiana Waterthrushes are still vocalizing with fledglings along their stream territories. The hundred degree heat that has blanketed central Texas for the past two weeks is evident by low water levels in the Pedernales River and drooping herbaceous plants on terraces above the river.
For the first time I saw and heard a Purple Martin fly over the park. Of note are the countless cicadas which have grown in numbers over the past week drowning out any distant bird vocalizations. At the bird blind this week volunteers have seen multiple times a Black and White Warbler, an Ash-throated Flycatcher and Golden-cheeked Warblers besides the regular visitors.
I have provided a photo here of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo nest taken by Phil McDonald, Lead Ranger, around June 8th near the bird blind. This year Yellow-billed Cuckoo's appear to be greater in numbers throughout the park.
The Fourth of July will mark my last survey of the season. I have no nests to follow so it will be a fitting finale to end the year on the 4th.