Dates: April 16-19, 2026

Leaders: Erik Bruhnke, Andy Whittaker & Mariah Hyrniewich

E-bird

Total Species: 80 birds

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Overall Summary

The VENT Jasper Pre-Trip was a thrilling experience for all as we ventured into the heart of east Texas’s Pineywoods. Every day of this pre-trip was filled with much joy among so many incredible birds and more! Complimenting the rich plethora of wildlife were beautiful landscapes of unique plants that we took time to appreciate along the way.

Our first day started out at W.G. Jones State Forest, where the aroma of pines filled the air. We were first greeted by a flyover flock of Cedar Waxwings calling overhead while Pine Warblers trilled beautifully beyond the parking lot. After a short walk among the towering pines we locked our sights on several Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. It was magical to watch them through the scopes, seen both at a nesting cavity and also seen feeding among other trees. This threatened woodpecker was one of several big hoped-for birds of our trip. Collectively we saw five Red-cockaded Woodpeckers that morning! Views of a Pileated Woodpecker were enjoyed as it chiseled its way to breakfast among the tree bark. While this was all happening, several adorable, treetop-foraging Brown-headed Nuthatches were squeaking way up in the tree. This was all such a special start to our tour!

As the day continued, we birded our way to Jasper. We enjoyed a Yellow-crowned Night Heron feeding along the grassy edge of an HEB parking lot. In more focused habitat, fabulous songbirds like Prairie Warbler and Blue Grosbeaks were observed and heard vocalizing, before we made our way to a fun picnic in the woods. A wonderful walk among sundew and pitcher plants was fantastic, as was seeing two Hooded Warblers to follow moments after. While we watched the Hooded Warblers, we talked about Victor Emanuel being known as the “Hooded Warbler” to many closest friends and connections in life. It was a special and sentimental moment. How cool that we were all together, because of VENT!

On our next day we explored the vast pine forests of the Boykin Springs area, enjoying a distant Bachman’s Sparrow singing away among the pine branches. This exciting target of the tour was a delight to have been seen and heard! This regional specialist was a thrill to see, even if scoped at a distance. As our second full day in the field continued, we found a busy nest of Carolina Chickadees. A distant Fish Crow yelped it’s call while Brown-headed Nuthatches scooched among branches above us. An afternoon of enjoying lots of birds around Martin Dies State Park was in order. We were treated to amazing views of a Prothonotary Warbler close to our group, and an up-in-the-branches, a Yellow-throated Warbler and Northern Parula were among many highlights that were cherished. The ever-chatty White-eyed Vireos did a great job of filling the air with their charismatic song. Phew, so many cool birds! The day ended along the Island Trail within the state park where about 350 Anhinga soared over us. Seven species of exciting wading birds were seen, and no fewer than ten Pied-billed Grebes were noted moving around the vegetated waters.

Our last day had come too soon, and another visit to Boykin Springs was in order. Scope views of both a singing Bachman’s Sparrow and Indigo Bunting were awesome! Later in the day we enjoyed some great views of a sneaky Swainson’s Warbler singing around the forest edge. With patience and focus, we all got to enjoy views of this highly sought-after songster! One of the more unique moments of the trip took place that day, as we picked out a Swallow-tailed Kite mobbing an in-air Bald Eagle flying past. It was wild to see! As the afternoon came around, we made our way to Beaumont where many of us carried over to the VENT 50th Anniversary Celebration. There was much to celebrate from this pre-trip!

A special thank you goes out to everyone on this exciting pre-trip adventure. It was a joy birding together!

Day-by-Day Summary

April 16 – Dinner in Houston

April 17 – W. G. Jones State Forest, Conroe area, Hardin area, Sundew Trail (Big Thicket National Preserve)

April 18 – Boykin Springs, Martin Dies Jr. State Park (both south and north units)

April 19 – Boykin Springs, Sundew Trail (Big Thicket National Preserve), Big Thicket National Preserve Headquarters, Gore Store Road

Wildlife Seen: 

MAMMALS:

Red-eared Slider

River Cooter

Three-toed Box Turtle – Mariah helped it cross the road!

American Alligator

Brown Anole

Palamedes Swallowtail

Spicebush Swallowtail

Painted Lady

Eastern Pondhawk

Eastern Fox Squirrel

incredibly friendly dog that joined us for a bit

Gallery