The San Antonio Audubon Society leads field trips on almost every Saturday and sometimes on Sundays. Occasionally we lead extended trips to such places as Big Bend National Park, High Island, or the Rio Grande Valley. The field trips are usually open to anyone who wishes to attend, and in that case you do not have to be a member to participate. Things to bring: binoculars, field guides, bug repellent, water, a hat and sunscreen. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
If you need information that is not given below, please call
our tape at
or
write to
and Field Trip Coordinator Helen Rejzek will get back to you. [View
a list of past trips below.] We
welcome volunteers to lead trips -- you don't have to be an
expert birder to do so, and it's a rewarding experience. Please call the tape
or send an
e-mail
if
you can spend a few hours birding with others at your favorite location.
More information on most of the trip locations can be found on our Birding Sites In and Around San Antonio page.
Upcoming SAAS trips
July 17, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Choke Canyon State Park
Meet leader Mike Creese(479-5552) at the entrance to the Calliham Unit
Of Choke canyon State Park. The park is located about 75 miles of San
Antonio. From San Antonio take IH-37 south, exit at Three Rivers.
Continue on US 281into Three Rivers Calliham Unit is about 12 miles
west of town, past the South Shore Unit. Bring water, insect
repellent, and lunch.![]()
August 7, Saturday, 8:00 AM
San Antonio Zoo
Meet leaders Patsy and Tom Inglet at the Zoo's education center entrance for a
tour of the many fascinating and interesting avian and other sights (some behind
the scenes) to be found at our Zoo. The education center entrance is
approximately a half block east (to the right) of the main entrance. While some
passes will be available, bring your Zoo memberships. RSVP by July 31 to Patsy
at 698-8445 or tpinglet@satx.rr.com
August 14, Saturday, 7:30 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)
at Judson Nature Trails next to
Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in Alamo
Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn
left one block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left
before the swimming pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
August 29, Sunday, 7:30 AM
SAAS field trip Crescent Bend
Meet leader Sandi Wheeler(659-8168) in the parking lot of Nature Park. From
IH-10 East take the FM 1518 exit and go north toward Schertz. Look for the brown
park sign at Schaefer road. Turn right and go about 3 miles. Bring water and
insect repellent.
Looking Ahead
Field Trip listing is usually updated the during first and third week of each month. The Beginner's walk is scheduled on the second Saturday of each month.
Mitchell
Lake Audubon Center access
Regular hours for the public are now Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 4 PM with other times by appointment. Call the Center at 210-628-1639 for more information. The gate will be opened from the Visitor's Center after you push the button at the gate. A small entrance fee is charged. You may become a member of the Center at $40 for an individual, $60 for your family for one year.
Birding trips:
August 9, 2nd Tuesday,
7:30 AM with
Helen Rejzek and Georgina Schwartz
August 8, 2nd Sunday,
7:30 AM with Curt McCamy
July 18, August 15, 3rd Sunday, 7:30 AM
with Mariann Golden, Helen Rejzek, and Georgina Schwartz
July 24, August 28, 4th Saturday, 8:00 AM with Curt McCamy
Check the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center website for the very latest schedule.
July 10, Saturday, 7:30 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)
at Judson Nature Trails next to
Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in Alamo
Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn
left one block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left
before the swimming pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
July 6, Tuesday, 7:30 AM
SAAS field trip Crescent Bend
Meet leader Sandi Wheeler(659-8168) in the parking lot of Nature Park. From
IH-10 East take the FM 1518 exit and go north toward Schertz. Look for the brown
park sign at Schaefer road. Turn right and go about 3 miles. Bring water and
insect repellent.
June 27, Sunday, 7:30 AM
Castroville Regional Park
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz (
) in the upper parking lot of the park. Take US 90
west to Castroville. At the end of the Medina River bridge entering
Castroville, turn left in front of the Landmark Inn onto Florence Street and
follow the signs to the park. We will do lunch in Castroville after the walk.
June 22, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
Field trip to Aquarena Springs
Meet leader Sandi Wheeler at Aquarena Springs main parking lot. Take I-35 north
to exit 206, TX-82 Loop/Aquarena Springs Dr; merge onto the I-35 Frontage Rd N.
Turn left at Aquarena Springs Dr. Go 0.9 miles; Aquarena Springs will be on the
right.
June 19, Saturday, 7:30 AM
SAAS field trip Medina River Natural Area
Meet leader Helen Rejzek(
)
in the parking lot of Medina River Natural Area. From south Loop 410
take the SH16/Palo Alto exit. Go south on SH 16 for about 4.2 miles to
the entrance which will be on the left just before the Medina River
bridge. After birding the park will bird the Applewhite portion of the
park. Bring water and insect repellent.
June 12, Saturday, 7:30 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)
at Judson Nature Trails next to
Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in Alamo
Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn
left one block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left
before the swimming pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
May 25, Tuesday 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Crescent Bend Nature Park
Meet leader Sandi Wheeler in the parking lot of Crescent Bend. From
IH-10 east take the FM 1518 exit and go north toward Schertz. Look for
the brown park sign at Schaefer Road.Turn right and go about 3 miles
to the park.
May 23, Sunday 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Avenue A/SA Botanical Gardens
Meet leader Tim Katafias at the parking lot on Red Oak. Turn north on
Red Oak from Mulberry in Brackenridge Park. From there will walk to
Avenue A. After birding Avenue A can continue to the Botanical Gardens
located at 555 Funston. Fee at B. Gardens.
May 22, Saturday 8:00 AM
Guadalupe River State Park
Meet leader Bill Zwartjes in the parking lot of the park. From 281 go
west on 46 towards Boerne, past Honey Creek and then turn right at the
sign onto the park road. After birding will check out a local
restaurant. Fee or state park pass required.
May 15, Saturday 8:00 AM
South Llano River State Park
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz at the headquarters of the park. Take
IH-10 west to Junction. Take Exit 456 and follow the signs to the park
south of town. Allow 2 hours driving time. Bring lunch, water, insect
repellent, and fee or Park Pass.
May 9,Sunday 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Warbler Woods
Meet Don and Susan Schaezler(210-602-8621) at their sactuary near
Cibolo. Take IH-35 N towards Austin. Take Exit 176,Wiederstein. Turn
right on Wiederstein Road at the overpass. Turn left at the next road,
Old Wiederstein. After you pass Dean Road, the Schaezler property
begins on the right. look for green mailbox 19349 Old Wiederstein.
Walk the property or just sit in the yard and enjoy the birds. If you
like, bring your lunch.
May 8, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)
at Judson Nature Trails next to
Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in Alamo
Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn
left one block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left
before the swimming pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
May 4, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Live Oak Park
Meet leader Sandi Wheeler in the main parking lot of Live Oak Park.
From Loop 410 northeast take IH-35 north towards Austin. Take exit to
Judson Road and turn right at the first stop sign after you get off of
IH-35. Judson Road becomes Toepperwein Rd. toward Randolf AFB. At the
traffic light at Leafy Hollow turn left. Go to the end of the street
which then turns right and becomes park road. Go to the end of the
parking lot.
May 2, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Tobin Park
Meet leader Mariann Golden in the parking lot of Tobin Park on Salado
Creek,100 Ira Lee. From Austin
Highway,heading northeast from Alamo Heights,exit to the right just
before the bridge over Salado Creek. The bridge is about 1/4 mile past
the Eisenhower Road traffic light.Before the low water crossing turn
left and go under
Austin Highway. Tobin Pasrk is on your right.
May 1, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Comanche Lookout
Meet leader Karen Moulder in the parking lot of Commanche Park. From
the intersection of Judson Road and Nacogdoches Road in north San
Antonio go NE on Nacogdoches for about 200 yds. to the park entrance
on the left.
April 27, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip James Kiehl River Bend Park
Meet leader Sandi Wheeler at the park,118 River Bend Road in Comfort.
From I-10 N take Exit 524;stay on Business 87 N (at the Chevron, the
road will fork stay to the right). Continue on Business 87N until you
come to FM 473(from Exit 524 to FM 473 in 1.5 miles). Turn right onto
FM 473; stay on FM 473 until you come to North Bend Road
(approximately 3.5 miles). Turn right onto North Bend Road. Stay on
North Bend Road for 1.3 miles. The park will be on your right. Please
RSVP to leader Sandi Wheeler,210-659-8168 or e-mail her(Wheels5683@satx.rr.com)
if you plan to attend.
April 25, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Jackson Nature Park
Meet leader Eva Fromme at the parking lot of the park in Wilson
County. From San Antonio take US 87 toward Victoria and La Vernia.
Just before Stockdale turn south on CR 104 and go to the park on the
left just after it crosses Cibolo Creek. There is a fee of $1.00.Bring
water and insect repellent.
April 20, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Leon Creek Greenway
Meet leader Helen Rejzek(679-7437) in the parking lot to the Leon
Creek Greenway. Driving from Loop 1604 exit Babcock and drive south
about 2 miles to the Greenway,12160 Babcock Road. Coming from IH-10
exit at De Zavala and drive west about 1.75 miles to light at Babcock.
Turn right on Babcock. The greenway is about 0.7 mile on the left.
Bring water and insect repellent.
April 18, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip San Antonio Missions
Meet leaders Andy and Wendy Garcia(344-4162) in the parking lot of the
Mission Juan. From Loop 410 in SE San Antonio take S. Presa Street
northwest about 2 miles to Graf Road. Turn left on Graf and proceed
past Ashley Road to the mission complex. Bring water.
April 11, Sunday, 7:30 AM
SAAS field trip Maverick Ranch/Fromme Farm
Meet Mary and Bebe Fenstermaker at the gate to their ranch on Boerne
Stage Road in NW Bexar County. Exit I-10 west at Leon Springs. Turn
left on Boerne Stage Road. Drive 3 miles to stop sign and turn right
on Boerne Stage Road. Go 1.4 miles to their gate on the left. The gate
will be locked once everyone is there. Bring lunch and water. Contact
Bebe(831-981-4477).
April 10, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)
at Judson Nature Trails next to
Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in Alamo
Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn
left one block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left
before the swimming pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
April 6, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Mud Creek
Meet leader Bill Zwartjes (4nine5-5one23) in the parking lot of Mud
Creek Park located at 16675 Jones Maltsberger, 1.2 miles inside (or
south of) Loop 1604. Those using 1604 should take the Bulverde exit
and turn south on Bulverde Road. Continue right on Bulverde then right
on Jones Maltsberger. The park can also be reached by traveling north
on Jones Maltsberger.
April 3, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Medina River Natural Area
Meet leader Helen Rejzek(
)
in the parking lot of Medina River Natural Area. From south Loop 410
take the SH16/Palo Alto exit. Go south on SH 16 for about 4.2 miles to
the entrance which will be on the left just before the Medina River
bridge. After birding the park will bird the Applewhite portion of the
park. Bring water and insect repellent.
March 30, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Friedrich Park/Crownridge
Meet leader Helen Rejzek(
)
at the parking lot of Friedrich Wilderness Park. Take I-10 west to
Camp Bullis Road exit. Continue on access road about 1.5 miles to next
available turnaround, do a u-turn under the expressway and continue
down access road on opposite side of (eastbound)I-10 to Milsa where
you right to go into the park. Expect the trails to be
steep and rocky, bring water.
March 28, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Choke Canyon State Park
Meet leader Mike Creese(479-5552) at the entrance to the Callihan Unit
Of Choke canyon State Park. The park is located about 75 miles of San
Antonio. From San Antonio take IH-37 south, exit at Three Rivers.
Continue on US 281into Three Rivers Callihan Unit is about 12 miles
west of town, past the South Shore Unit. Bring water, insect
repellent, and lunch.![]()
March 27, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip SS Lion's Park
Meet Brad Weir at the main parking lot inside the park. From IH-37
southbound exit Pecan Valley Drive. Turn left and go northeast on
Pecan Valley Drive a half mile past Southcross Blvd. and the golf
course. The park entrance is on the right. Enter the park and stay to
your left, follow road to main parking lot.
March 23, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Max Starke Park
Meet Sandi Wheeler in the large parking lot in front of the water
treatment plant at Max Starke Park in Guadalupe County. Take IH-10 to
Exit 603 to merge onto W. Kingsbury St/W US 90. Slight right at W.
Court St./US 90. Turn right at S. Austin/State Loop 513/TX-123
business. Turn right at Wave Pool Drive, then turn left at S.
Guadalupe St.. turn right at River Drive.
March 13, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)
at Judson Nature
Trails next to Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in
Alamo Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn left one
block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left before the swimming
pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
March 14, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Crescent Bend Park
Meet Sandi Wheeler(6five9-eight16eight) at the park. From IH-10 East
take the 1518 exit and go toward Schertz. Look for the brown Crescent
Bend sign at Schaefer Road, turn right and go about 3 miles to Cibolo
Creek. Bring water and insect repellant.
March 6, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Stone Oak Park
Meet leader Gail Nickel (49seven-seven6two6) at the Stone Oak Park
located at 20395 Stone Oak Parkway. Take US 281 N and turn left at
Stone Oak Parkway. Go about 1.2 miles to the park on the right. Bring
water.
February 28, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Palmetto State Park
Meet leader Bill Zwartjes (4Nine5-Five12Three) at the park office in
Ottine, Texas. From IH 10 East take the exit to US 183 and proceed
south. Go about 2 miles. Turn right onto TX P11.Travel time about 1
1/2 hours. Bring money or park pass for entry and lunch.
February 20, Saturday, 7:45 AM
SAAS field trip Canyon Lake
Meet leader Georgina Schwartz(
)in
the parking lot of the headquarters of the Canyon Lake Dam on COE
Drive at the east end of the lake. We will bird various access points
to the north side of the lake. Expect to carpool from the meeting
place and have lunch at a local cafe before returning to the parking
lot. Bring water, scope, and snacks.
February
13, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet SAAS leader at Judson Nature
Trails next to Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in
Alamo Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn left one
block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left before the swimming
pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
For more information contact
Georgina Schwartz(
)
.
February 7, Sunday, 8:00 AM
SAAS Sparrow Workshop
Meet leader Bob Doe(
) at 8:00 AM at the Valero station at
the intersection of US 281 and FM 306 in northern Comal County for a
habitat based trip along Canyon Lake concentrating on sparrows. Lunch
in New Braunfels. Meet at 2:00 PM at the intersection of Dauer Ranch
Road and FM 758 near the New Braunfels Airport for an extension into
the farm fields.
February 6, Saturday, 8:00 AM
Cancelled due to recent rains on the ranch
SAAS field trip to Cartwright Ranch
Meet leader Jean Bensmiller at the causeway on FM 534 over Lake
Corpus Christi; arrive early if you want to bird there. About 2 hours south of
SA: take IH-37 south to exit 47 (Swinney Switch), go to the intersection of FM
534. Turn right on 534 toward Dinero and go about a half mile; park off the road
before you reach the causeway. Carpooling is encouraged; Jean will lead the
caravan to the ranch gate. Bring lunch and water. No restrooms. Call Georgina
Schwartz(
) for info.
![]()
January 31, Sunday, 1:00 PM
Whooping Crane Tour, Rockport, Texas
Meet Helen Rejzek (
)
at the Skimmer dock no later than 12:20 PM. Please be prompt! The
Skimmer is located at 216 N. Fulton Beach Road. Take TX 35 through
Rockport. You will make a right on Cactus Street. Turn left on Beach
Street (S. Fulton Beach Road). You will see the sign for Rockport
Birding and Kayak. This is where we will depart.
Drinks and food are allowed on the boat. We will return at 4:30 PM. At
this time there are still seats available.
Call Helen if you want to join the tour. Cost is $40.00 that needs
to be paid in advance. No refund unless your spot is filled.
For people spending Saturday night in the area there will be time
to bird some areas nearby before heading to the boat. Driving time
from San Antonio is more than 3 hours.
January 23, Saturday,
8:00 AM
SAAS field trip to Haggard Ranch.
Meet Metha Haggard on her ranch
in southwest Bexar County. The ranch ,around 250 acres, has varied brush, trees,
and open habitat with water. Go south on IH 35 about 4 miles south of Loop
1604, take exit #137 (Shepherd Road) off of IH 35,go left over the interstate,
take another left onto the northbound access road. Drive 0.5 mile to gate
(cattle guard). Once through the gate, go over the second cattle guard and go
left at the fork to the house. Info contact Metha Hargard (SixTwoTwo-3886).
January 19, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip South Side Lion's Park
Meet leader Brad Weir at the main parking lot inside the park. From IH
37 southbound exit at Pecan Valley. Turn left and go northeast on
Pecan Valley Drive 1/2 mile past Southcross Blvd. and the golf course
to the park entrance on the right. Enter the park and stay to your
left ,follow theroad to the first parking lot.
January 9, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip Granger Lake area
Meet leader Bob Doe at the entrance to Friendship Park on Granger Lake
at 8:00 AM. Target birds: Chestnut-collared Longspur. Lapland
Longspur, Mountain Plover, Short-eared Owl.
Directions: From San Antonio take I-35 north to Geoergetown
(exit 261).Turn right, then left onto Business 35 for about 1/3 mile
to FM 971 (Weir Road). Continue on 971 to Granger. Turn left on
Commerce Street (Highway 95)for a couple of blocks, then right onto
971 east (Davilla Street). Friendship Park is on the right after about
4-5miles between County Roads 358 and 359. Allow at least 2 1/2 hours
travel time. If open we will bird Friendship Park, then the roads
north of FM 971. Bring lunch and be sure you have sufficient gas
(station in Granger may not be open early).
After lunch we will bird south of FM 971.Trip will cancel for adverse
weather (ice, snow, or flooding rain) but will be held during light
rain or cold. Please call Bob Doe at 830-438-8399 the night before if
in doubt of the trip going.
January 9, Saturday, 8:00 AM
SAAS Beginner's Bird Walk
Meet SAAS leader at Judson Nature
Trails next to Alamo Heights swimming pool. At 5900 block of Broadway in
Alamo Heights, turn west on Ogden. Go to stop sign at Greely Street. Turn left one
block, then right on Viesca to small parking lot on left before the swimming
pool. Binoculars available, everyone is welcome.![]()
For more information contact
Georgina Schwartz(
)
.
January 5, Tuesday, 8:00 AM
SAAS field trip McAllister Park
Meet Bill and Marian Collins at the first parking lot inside the park.
From US 281 exit Bitters and go east to the stop light at Jones
Maltzberger and turn left (north). Go to the park entrance on the
right after the police station and go to the first big parking lot on
the left. Great place to look for winter visitors.
San Antonio Audubon Society, 5150 Broadway
#257, San Antonio, TX 78209-5710, (210)
308-6788, E-mail
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