As many of you know, small numbers of mainly "western" hummingbirds winter in Southeast Texas and along the northern Gulf Coast. Several of our members have been watching and feeding these winter hummingbirds for several years now. We will discuss the species which may be seen, how to identify them, winter flowering plants that can attract and support them, and other aspects of this topic. Directions to the meeting location are below.
We thank the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau for providing all the refreshments including sandwiches, chips and drinks for this meeting. Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m.
Directions to Hillcrest Baptist Church, our meeting location this month.
From Beaumont and the north
Take US69/96/287 south out of Beaumont to the FM365 exit, keeping left on the feeder road. Take the turnaround lane under the freeway and head back north moving to the right hand lane of the feeder road. In about 1500 feet (1/4 mile), turn right on Park Avenue (just before Carmela's restaurant) and proceed 1200 feet (2/10 mile) to the church parking lot on the left, opposite the Babe Ruth Ball Park. Enter the Gathering Hall through the door on the circular drive on Park Avenue.
From the south
Leave northbound US69/96/287 at the FM365 exit, moving to the right lane and proceeding straight across FM365. Turn right on Park Avenue and follow the remainder of the directions above.
Saturday October 19, 2019
Leader Steve Mayes. Meet at Sabine Woods, which is 4.1 miles west of Sabine Pass on the north side of Highway 87 at 7:30 a.m Meet at Sabine Woods, which is 4.1 miles west of Sabine Pass on the north side of Highway 87 at 7:30 a.m. or join the trip in progress in the woods later. Waterproof footwear will probably be a good idea, especially if it is at all wet from previous rain or just heavy early morning dew. Bring mosquito repellent just in case. There are few services available on weekends in Sabine Pass. Bring lunch and drinks.
October 19 is towards the end of fall passerine migration, but often brings a good variety of birds. A cold front may drive down the last of the warblers and the first big push of wintering birds. Some of our winter birds may be arriving, and often the woodland species that winter in the Big Thicket overshoot a little at first. In past years, this has included Red-breasted Nuthatch and Brown Creeper. There are always interesting birds at Sabine Woods!
The trails are clear and mostly reasonably wide, and, although some care is needed to avoid uneven ground, birding Sabine Woods is relatively easy. There are a number of strategically located benches if you need to rest for a time.