Birding by Fire

This trip will explore areas on the refuge where biologists have implemented large-scale experiments to learn best practices for habitat management. One area includes a 30-acre white-tailed deer exclosure, where scientists have studied the combined effects of fire and deer herbivory on native woody species. This area will have common woodland species such as golden-cheeked warblers, black-and-white warblers, and summer tanagers. Another area we will visit is a grassland that has been burned at different seasons during the year to determine if conducting prescribed burns at certain times of the year may selectively favor native grasses over invasive King Ranch bluestem. Here we will listen for northern bobwhites and other grassland birds and dig into how this research is one key to the conservation of these species.greenbriars. Along the way we hope to spot other Hill Country birds.