WDL-07-2019

HOW TO ATTRACT AND ADMIRE AVIANS Bird feeders and bird baths are always good standbys for homeowners who wish to attract some wildlife to the backyard, but adding shrubs or a nesting box can also appeal to birds.

OTHER LOCALLY OBSERVED SPECIES Other birds that can be seen in the wild include white pelicans near bodies of water, or certain hummingbirds may appear at backyard feeders during their migration months in the spring and fall.

Plant native grasses

Plant native wildflowers

• Cedar

• Cliff swallow • Osprey • White pelican

• Pileated

• House finch • Carolina wren

waxwing

woodpecker • Red-headed woodpecker

• Purple martin

Grow fruit trees and shrubs

Provide nesting boxes in breeding seasons

SOURCES:CORNELLLABORORNITHOLOGY;DONNAWORK,TEXASA&MFORESTSERVICE, W.G. JONESSTATEFOREST/COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

SOURCE:DONNAWORK,TEXASA&MFORESTSERVICE/COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

SUMMER TANAGER

SNOWY EGRET

The goldfinch responds well to bird feeders, and males are easiest to spot with their bright yellow coats visible in early spring. The birds molt twice a year and nest in June or July.

The males of this species are completely red, while the females are yellow. The birds are known for catching bees and wasps in flight.

Preferring marshy areas, the male and female birds take turns incubating their eggs and care for young together.

This hummingbird species can be seen during migration and breeding seasons in Texas and are attracted to sugar-water mixtures.

Insects

Fish

Open woodlands

Tree

Marshes

Tree

Conservation: low concern

Seeds

Nectar

Open woodlands

Tree

Shrub

Although many bird species can be observed almost anywhere in The Woodlands area, dedicated park areas are likely to provide the greatest array of birds for observation and study. However, nesting areas for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker are off limits fromMarch to July. BIRDING HOT SPOTS

Conservation: low concern

W.G. JONES STATE FOREST TRAIL

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242

AMERICAN KESTREL

INDIGO BUNTING AND PAINTED BUNTING

A small falcon, the kestrel boasts bright colors, with a slate-blue head and ruddy tail. Conservationists recommend putting up nest boxes to help keep their numbers strong.

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Colorful indigo bunting males have bright blue plumage, while the painted buntings boast a host of rainbow hues. The birds are seen in late spring and summer.

GEORGE MITCHELL PRESERVE

Insects

Small animals

Open woodlands

Shrub

Grasslands

Cavity

BURROUGHS PARK

Conservation: low concern

The Woodlands edition • July 2019