Monday, August 11, 2014

Sun City Texas Is A Bird Watcher's Paradise

By Ernesto Berturand


As stated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an enormous number of U.S. citizens have embraced the hobby of birdwatching. The majority of enthusiasts view birds in areas near their homes but some travel from home in order to bird watch. There are a lot of freely reachable bird watching spots within just a quick drive from Sun City Texas. With over 400 kinds of birds found in Williamson County, Texas has got the greatest number of species of all the states at six hundred thirty-six. The drainage ponds placed around town to empty water coming from vehicle parking lots, lures in many water fowl particularly great blue herons, many species of egrets, wood ducks, and teals.

The numerous water features, streams and wetland areas found in Sun City Texas provide an outstanding ecosystem for indigenous as well as migratory birds. There are many chances to relax and watch birds while in the community. Belonging to the Sun City Nature Club, the Birding Special Interest Group supports the enjoyment of wild birds, especially those native to the Hill Country. Many kinds of research resources are available in their library for club members to borrow which includes books, digital video disks, cassette tapes.

Wild birds are particularly abundant in Sun City Texas and club members get together for bird watching hikes, trips into the field and to check on homes for birds in native habitats. One can typically see the flocks of wild turkeys grazing in groups on the native grasses which thrive in the roughs of the golf courses. The bridge that crosses Berry Pond on Del Webb Boulevard is home to a sizable community of cave swallows which assemble their mud nests inside the cement spans under the bridge.

Perching together in groups on the shoreline of Berry Creek, there is a big population of turkey vultures near the bridge to the White Wing Golf Course. The largest scavenger birds in the United States, turkey vultures give preference to broad open areas which provide nearby woods for nesting. The dead and leafless trees, victims of several years of scarce rainfall, are ideal for vultures to keep keen eyes over the creek bed, an empty field and further down, the golf course. Feeding mostly on carrion, turkey vultures eat armadillos, turtles, squirrels and rabbits that often become a victim of road traffic throughout Sun City Texas.

Because of the abundant wooded areas, water and food sources available to birds in Sun City Texas, it is a birder's paradise. For those who love to watch the growth and development of baby birds, there are many residents who encourage nest building by erecting bird houses, providing bird seed, and flowering plants to attract them. There are many species of hawks attracted to the fields of native grasses, hummingbirds drawn to feeders and bright flowers, and owls that hunt small vertebrates at night.

Fortuitous Sun City Texas residents have observed the many large road runners that are indigenous to our area. Their habitat is dry and shrubby countryside and the large birds build a nest on a foundation of twigs low in a cactus or a shrub. They may be up to two feet in total length, about 50 % of which is tail. These are especially helpful wild birds which prey on reptiles including snakes, small to medium sized mice, spiders, scorpions and road kills. Several roadrunners may sometimes fight a rather large snake cooperatively.

Sun City Texas Birding Club wild bird hikes are organized two times during each month in order for participants to get out and easily share their own love of wild birds.




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