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2008
Spring Migration Birding Trips
(Reservations
Required-See Scheduled Dates Below)
Avian activity
has already begun on the Fennessey Ranch. More than 420 species
of birds either reside or visit here on the major migration
route. The Mission River borders the ranch on three sides. The
wooded uplands of pecan and oak trees, as well as freshwater
marshes and rookeries make it the highly sought-after primitive
areas that beckon the anhinga, ibis, bitterns, sandpipers,
rails, vireos, warblers, summer, and scarlet tanagers. Hawks and
kites are also included in our spring tallies. Green jays and
ringed kingfishers are being sighted on a regular basis.
In addition to
our regular birding trips, we are offering an introductory
birding tour. If you have ever wanted to come on a birding
trip, but worried you wouldn’t fit in with experienced birders,
feel welcome to come on this trip. We will also discuss
equipment and birding guidebooks. We are offering a $20
discount on this trip to teachers. Thanks for the great
job you do!
Experienced
birders and naturalists Nan and Lyndon, with Fennessey scout,
"Famous Shoes" Crofutt, guide all trips. Deli-style lunch is
included.
Upcoming
Trip Dates & Info.
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Full
Day Tour:
April
12, 2008
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Full
Day Tour:
April
26, 2008
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Introduction to
Birding-101
May 3, 2008 (Full
Day) |
~ ~ All Tours are Moderately challenging
~ ~
Deli lunches, poppy seed cake, snacks and bird list
are
provided on full day trips!
Tours depart from the Fennessey
gate at 7:30 a.m.
Full
Day Tour – Cost $58.50
Teachers will receive
a $20 discount on the Birding-101 tour
(tax
included)
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Fall
Migration Preview
September 2008
Hummingbird Hayrides
Once again, in
conjunction with the Rockport Hummer/Bird Celebration, we will
be offering hummingbird hayrides on the Fennessey. The dates
for the 2008 festival are September 12-15. Participants will be
bused from Rockport to the ranch. The trips will be
Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. All
reservations must be made through the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of
Commerce. Please keep in mind that trip capacity is
limited, and these trips tend to sell out before the festival
begins.
Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce phone # 361-729-6445 or
1-800-242-0071.
Hawk
Watch
The Fennessey, with the
Mission River, is a major migration route for hawks, kites and
falcons. The birds use the tall pecan and oak trees on the banks
of the river for overnight roosts. We have been there when they
take off by the thousands for the day’s migration trip AND
witness kettle after kettle forming all day long. We can expect to
see anhingas soaring with broadwings, harriers, falcons,
sharp-shinned, Coopers, red-tailed, red-shouldered and Swainson’s.
American swallow-tailed kites and white-tailed hawks have also
been in the tally as well as wood storks.
Our annual Hawk Watch will be
September 27, 2008. Take this opportunity to see thousands of
migrating hawks lift off and form huge kettles. Identify up to
18 species on this trip. Experienced guides and lunch
provided.
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~ Moderately challenging ~ ~
All trips are guided by an ornithologist and " Famous Shoes", the Fennessey
Scout.
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Field notes from
Fall Migration Trips:
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Photography
by Sean Fitzgerald
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In
addition to the many rufous, buff-bellied, and
ruby-throated hummingbirds, we saw an entire tree
full of Baltimore and orchard orioles on a
hummingbird tour. Bobcat with kittens, in no hurry,
so put spotting scope on them and everyone enjoyed a
look.
Highlights of the past year include sightings of
many vermillion flycatchers, Sprague’s pippet,
American swallowtail, abundant Wilson’s snipe, and a
kettle consisting solely of Mississippi kites. We
averaged 93-107 species per day.
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Almost any
kind of nature tour you can imagine, the Fennessey Ranch can provide
– individuals, groups, and students – all are welcome!
Have
a question? Call: 361-529-6600
E-mail
Us!
Use our
Contact
Form to describe your unique interest and we’ll
do our absolute best to accommodate your needs
and customize your trip!
Full
day tours leave the Fennessey gate at 7:30 am and return at 3:00 pm.
Click
here
for a preview of birds you’ll find in our area of Texas! |
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