09/08/2010 - Birding on the Boardwalk
09/09/2010 - Texas Kayak Fishing School
09/20/2010 - Blacklock’s Beginning Bird ID 101 Series
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Hot SpotsPadre Island National SeashorePadre Island National Seashore consists of more than 130 thousand acres of undeveloped dunes, grasslands and sandy beaches. The Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the entire world! Unlike most beaches throughout the United States, visitors of the Padre Island National Seashore are allowed to drive on its sandy beaches to access remote areas of the park. The Seashore also provides beachcombers plenty of chances to collect shells and build sandcastles. The Padre Island National Seashore Malaquite Visitor’s Center houses exhibits on the natural history, cultural history of the park and an observation tower. The Grasslands Nature Trail is .75 miles long and offers visitors a spectacular view of the sand dunes, grasslands and birding in the park. Nearly 400 different species of birds have been documented in the park. The best time for birding is in the early spring and fall months during migrations. The inspiration is endless at the National Seashore, so be sure to pack plenty of batteries and memory cards. Blucher ParkBlucher Park provides a green space in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. Several footpaths have been created throughout the park to allow visitors a chance to explore the natural surroundings of the park. Known worldwide the 4 acre- pocket park attracts birders year round in search of flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers, chimney swifts and dozens more species. This densely wooded park with a small creek flowing through its center has a defined trail system mulched with native wood chips, pedestrian bridge, seating stones, way-finding markers, and a new Interpretive Birding Kiosk with chimney swift towers. Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife RefugeHans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, located on Ennis Joslin and Nile, offers nature lovers an ideal spot to observe shorebirds, waterfowl, butterflies, and wildlife along Oso Bay. Take a walk on the 800-foot nature trail or the 1-mile boardwalk for good views of Oso Bay, grassy marshes, woodlands and mudflats. Picnic tables and viewing platforms are spread throughout the refuge for visitors to enjoy. Hazel Bazemore County ParkNo other site in the United States can come close to listing the number of hawks or the number of species seen at Hazel Bazemore. The majority of the hawks are Broad-winged. Since the inception of the Hazel Bazemore Hawk Watch, 30 species have been seen at this site. During the eight-day peak in September, an average of 575,000 raptors is usually counted. A Hawk Watch platform built in 2007 provides comfortable surroundings for watching raptors but bring a lawn chair if you go on a fall weekend. The birding is well rounded at Hazel Bazemore, in the fall be on the look out for, Vermillion Flycatcher (Fall and Winter), Rufous Hummingbird (Fall and Winter). Celebration of Flight, September 24 - 26 is held during the peak of the hawk migration. This birding festival host field trips to some of the local hot spots, along with guest speakers and vendors. Resident birds include Least Grebe, Reddish Egret, White-face ibis, White-tipped Dove, Groove-billed Ani, Common Pauraque, Bull-bellied Hummingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Couch’s Kingbird, Green Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, and Cassin’s Sparrow. South Texas Botanical Garden & Nature CenterThe South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offers visitors a lush oasis of various types of plants, birds and other species. Several miles of nature trails can also be found in the gardens. Observation platforms and an observation tower offer visitors unique glimpses into the natural environment surrounding them. Visitors will be encompassed by the wildlife of the area, which includes a variety of birds and reptiles. Explore over 180 acres of nature trails, platforms, boardwalks, birding and photography blinds. Admission fee required. Private Ranch PhotographyFennessey RanchThe Fennessey Ranch is part of a legendary 750,000 acre Texas land empire that has remained in the same family for 171 years. The ranch consists of 4,000 acres of abundant wetlands, meadows, natural lakes, riparian woods and brush land and bordered on three sides by the Mission River. The Fennessey is located in the heart of the Central Flyway along a region of the Texas coastline known as the "Coastal Bend." The Fennessey has opened its gates for a wide array of unique recreational opportunities. Photo ops are in 6 locations which range from predator blinds to game trails to wetland blinds. InFlight OutfittersInFlight Outfitters, located on Twin Oaks Ranch, will host photographers March through September. The diverse mixture of terrain, habitat and wildlife on the ranch offer excellent photo opportunities. InFlight Outfitters Lodge can facilitate up to 18 guests for all inclusive service during photo workshops or group photography applications. In addition, they offer a fully furnished ranch home for daily/weekly rental for the "do it yourself" photographers. Knolle Farm & Ranch, Bed, Barn, & BreakfastJust on the outskirts of Corpus Christi, Texas, Knolle Farm & Ranch, offers an upscale country inn, working ranch, and event and wedding facilities. It is a place truly unique to this area; but still capturing the best of historic south Texas culture and hospitality. It stands alone in its own special world, quite different from what comes to most minds when one thinks of this area. This historic, private ranch that was the home of the world's largest herd of Jersey cattle opened its doors to share its way of life in 1997. Connecting you with traditional south Texas pastimes and true country luxury, we will indulge you in so many ways. Does the idea of down pillows, fine linens, prime beef, fresh seafood, and hand-picked vegetables straight from our garden tempt you? Does the idea of breakfast delivered to you, or a stress free wedding with every detail perfectly orchestrated by our staff sound great to you? If these visions cause you to long for another way of life, discover the world at Knolle Farm & Ranch. |
