TEXAS DELIGHTS
The list of songbirds that occur primarily or exclusively in Texas has sparked many a birding road trip. Many years ago, when I was a relatively new birder, I made several visits to the state in search of them and missed a number of desired species. After a while, I devised a plan to spend as much time as needed and cover the ground required to fill five holes on my life list.
Each of the five birds has a rather small, confined range, but with research and diligence, I was confident I could locate them. I soon hit the road and found them all, and on one of my most recent trips to Texas, I retraced my steps to find the original five target birds — with positive results. The route to find the five species crosses a wonderful and scenic mix of landscapes and habitats: the lush Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio, the Edwards Plateau, and miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. For the adventurous spirit, it’s a perfect blend of birding and beauty.
On the following pages, I present a guide to finding the five birds, which are prized additions to any birder’s life list: Colima Warbler, Morelet’s Seedeater, Tropical Parula, Black-capped Vireo, and Golden-cheeked Warbler. Your search for the five passerine specialties will
