Locally, beating our annual pilgrimage to the Mineola Nature Preserve each Spring is hard. We are returning this year on Saturday, April 13th at 8 AM. This is one trip you don’t want to miss.
One of the biggest treats here is usually getting up close and personal with Prothonotary Warblers. They usually are seen in good numbers and often quite close. We will also likely see Black & White Warblers, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Summer Tanagers, Red-headed & Red-bellied Woodpeckers, White-eyed Vireos. We will likely be surprised by an unusual Spring migrant or two or three. It is also not uncommon to see Yellow-breasted Chats, various hawks, Little Blue Herons, Green Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Eastern Towhees. You never know what might pop up.
NON-MEMBERS & VISITORS ARE WELCOME!
DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the parking area at the Reserve. There is a nice restroom there. Here is a link for Google Maps to show the location of the parking area: https://goo.gl/maps/SBiAyisSGy7VmYSn7
There is a bit of walking but it is along a great road/path that is normally fine for motorized scooters (for those who require them). In addition, there are several places you can sit and rest including the benches donated by the Tyler Audubon Society. (Including Michael’s bench in my favorite spot ). It is not unusual for us to walk a little over two miles (roundtrip) at a very slow pace (watching the birds keeps our pace down).
The weather should be mild, but you might want a light jacket for the morning, which may be cool.
You should also bring some water, maybe a snack, your binoculars, and a camera if you are so inclined. It would be a good idea to have some insect repellent. (I always have some in my truck if you forget.)
This should be a fun trip. The migrants and local nesting birds are just starting to arrive.
If you get lost, run late, and need to know where we are, text or call me at 832.920.4117. Michael Mathews
