Neches River NWR Walkabout Report

Rambling the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge

by Denise Gary
photos by Denise Gary and Jessica Coleman

Fifteen eager birders rambled through Neches River National Wildlife Refuge this past Tuesday to consider placement of the future bird blind being constructed and donated by Tyler Audubon Society. Naturally, we took full advantage of the opportunity to seek out early spring migrants at this critically important site for migratory birds along the Central Flyway. Here exists a realm of beech and river birch, oak and wax myrtle, beaver and river otter, barred owl and wood duck. In addition to hardwood bottomland forests, the refuge protects pine uplands and Neches River frontage, as well as the wildlife that flourishes within these habitats. It is a beautiful place to hike and observe wildlife.

Many considerations were pondered for the site of the blind at the otter pond, and a tape measure was whipped out to take account of another possible site. Pros and cons of each candidate site were earnestly discussed. Even as the mission was underway, birding never stopped. Early spring migrants were filling the air with song: white-eyed vireos, yellow-throated vireos, black-and-white warblers, yellow-throated warblers, and eventually, a northern parula! Pine and yellow-rumped warblers were hanging around, too. Excellent sightings were had of an exceptionally bright blue-gray gnatcatcher, as well as a couple of fearless hermit thrushes. There was even a fly-by of eight anhingas, spotted by Cory as he leaned back on a diagonally-growing tree to relax. You never know what might pass overhead when one lays back on a tree trunk!

The forest was in the process of transforming from winter gray to spring green. While wood ducks called from flooded lowlands, red-shouldered hawks made quite the fuss overhead. The paths were illuminated here and there by sweet violets and smatterings of redbud trees in bloom. In the meadows, fiery magenta Drummond’s phlox and sunny yellow Texas ragwort blossoms were boldly announcing the arrival of spring. A flowering dogwood tree was just beginning to unfurl its yellowish bracts, which will eventually become the bright white showstoppers beloved by East Texans. Such a welcome sight, these flowers!

Lest hunger slow us down, our thoughtful president had things under control with fabulous homemade banana nut bread (I totally took two slices!) and a variety of cookies. Many thanks to President Laura Wilson for the tasty victuals, as well as Secretary Jessica Coleman for leading the exciting bird blind project!

Keep your wings unfurled!