Village Vireo Microbox

Texas Birding Trail Series

Black-capped Vireo

Placed By: Silver Eagle
Date: 05/17/08
Nearest Town: Lumberton, TX
County: Hardin
Terrain Difficulty: Easy (flat, 50 yards RT)
Recommended Ink: black & green
Status: alive (05/17/08)

The Black-capped Vireo is a songbird about 4.5 inches in length and males are olive green above and white below with a black head. Their preferred habitat is a mixture of shrubs and smaller trees that average from eight to 10 feet high. It has been listed as Endangered since 1987, but you might see one while visiting Village Creek SP, where this box is located. Located in the Big Thicket, it consists of the most diverse set of ecosystems found anywhere. With over 200 species of birds, it is only fitting that it is part of the Big Thicket Loop described on the Upper Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail map.

Directions:

From Beaumont, take US Hwy 69/96 North and take Mitchell Road exit (just before the US Highway 69/96 split). Go approximately .4 mile on the access road and turn east (right) onto Mitchell Road. Then turn immediately north (left) onto FM 3513 (Village Creek Parkway). Go approximately 2 miles and turn East (right) on Alma Drive. Cross the railroad tracks (veer to the left) and go .5 mile to Village Creek State Park entrance on the left. Pay fee, get a map and continue driving to the Walk-in Camping/Beechwood Picnic Area parking lot at the end of the road.

Clues:

Walk to the south end of the lot and find the Loblolly Trail sign. From it, walk on the trail 45 steps to a low stump on the right. Turn left and walk 10 steps off trail to a medium oak tree with another tree laying across its top. The microbox is hanging on the back side 5 feet high. You can take the box to the picnic area to stamp in, but please replace as described.

NOTE: Always take adequate precautions (such as prodding with a stick and/or wearing gloves) before reaching into dark crevasses and holes in the wild. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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Last updated on 05/18/2008

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