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Overview
The refuge falls at the juncture of the Great Plains and Gulf Coast bioregions. In addition, the refuge straddles the divide between the Colorado and Brazos watersheds. Beneath the land lies a mysterious labyrinth of caves. Add the unusual limestone geology of the Edwards Plateau and it's not surprising to find plants and animals adapted to live here and nowhere else. At least a third of the state's threatened and endangered species live or migrate through the area.
Birds
Notable Species
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offers some of the best bird watching and habitat left in Texas for two endangered songbirds - the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Rarities
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Checklist
Birds you can see here include:
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Other Wildlife
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Site Information
History and Use
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Areas of Interest
Try stopping at the Doeskin Ranch for a hike along the Rimrock trail to see Golden-cheeked Warbler country.
Access and Facilities
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Contact Details
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External Links
Content and images originally posted by charri
Reviews
Steve Gross's review I've spent quite a bit of time here, and I really enjoy the fact that it's not a "touristy" location. Golden-cheeked Warblers and Black-capped Vireos give often great views at close quarters to those willing to be persistent. The priority at this refuge is clearly the endangered species that breed here, and that's fine by me. There is a Songbird Festival that offers field trips into not-usually-public sections of the refuge with knowlegeable trip leaders. Chuck Sexton is a fantastic guy and a great biologist. It's a pleasure to bird with him.
The Doeskin Ranch offers hiking opportunities through a nice variety of habitats, including Golden-cheek territories.
Make sure to bird along the Cow Creek Road when you pass between Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch. Pros
- Great access to endangered species
- no crowds
Cons
- (Minor negatives) No visitor center
- few amenities
ajmeyer5's review I spent several hours in the refuge one Saturday in early May 2006. I managed to find and photograph my first Golden Cheeked Warbler (very active little guy) at the Doeskin Ranch area by the creek about 100 yards from the parking lot. At the Shin Oak observation deck I heard and got a brief view of the Black-capped Vireo (very reclusive), and saw the Yellow-throated Vireo. Several other area residents and a late migrant or two made for a great outing. The temperature was still pleasant at that time of year. You can expect it to be very hot June through August in central Texas. Pros
- No fees
- no crowds
Cons
- limited observations points several miles apart
