Texana Loop

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Lake Texana Mustang Creek Boat Ramp
CTC 018

This site is open for day use only.

The Lavaca Navidad River Authority (LNRA) Mustang Creek Boat Ramp (#5) on TX 172 south of Ganado offers the opportunity to park and bird the oak woodlands that typify the bottomlands of the sister rivers: the Navidad and the Lavaca. Eastern woodland species such as the Red-shouldered Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, and Carolina Chickadee abound here. Wood Ducks often spill out over the woodlands in early morning while the lake water around the boat ramp is frequently swarming with a variety of dabbling ducks. Additionally, there have been numerous sightings of Swallow-tailed Kites during the spring and summer months in Jaycee Park (29.0343, -96.5168) along Dever’s Creek, less than a mile away as the crow flies.

Latitude: 29.0257
Longitude: -96.5066

Mustang Creek Recreation Area
CTC 019

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.

This interesting wooded enclave is admittedly difficult to find. From Ganado, go west on Loop 522 W to FM 2982 S, then turn left (south) on FM 2982 to CR 249. Turn left (east) on CR 249 and drive straight to the entrance of the Mustang Creek Recreation Area.

Well-preserved and rarely visited, this forested area offers the opportunity to see a variety of eastern woodland birds, most of which are identical to those seen in the woodland areas of the Texana Park and Campground. However, migration tends to shuffle the deck, and one will never know exactly what to expect at any given location.

Latitude: 29.0044
Longitude: -96.5293

Texana Park and Campground
CTC 020

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

To reach the LNRA Texana Park and Campground, continue southwest on US 59 and cross the Lake Texana bridge. Continue southwest on US 59 to Edna, then turn south on TX 111. Continue on TX 111 as it veers to the east until reaching the entrance to the park and campground (approximately 6.5 miles from Edna).

This site is an example of Texas coastal riparian forest, as well as the woodland birds that inhabit such a forest. Mississippi Kites (in summer), Pileated Woodpeckers, and Carolina Chickadees are examples of eastern species that soon disappear (to be replaced by more tropical species) as one drifts to the south. Depending on the time of the year, the shorelines of Lake Texana will be adorned with American Coots, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Purple Gallinules and numerous species of Egrets and Herons. Watch for Red-shouldered Hawks and listen for Barred Owls as well. Be sure to visit the Nature Center nestled within the newly constructed Community Education Center for a birding checklist consisting of over 200 avian species that call Texana Park home. The park offers overnight facilities (partial and full hookup campsites, showers, restrooms).

(361) 782-5718

Latitude: 28.9538
Longitude: -96.5470

Brackenridge Park and Campground
CTC 021

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

With similar habitats, birds, and facilities as the Texana Park, Brackenridge Park and Campground is another LNRA-managed park. Brackenridge Park is located directly across TX 111 from the entrance to Texana Park.

Full hook-ups are available at this campground. This park also features sports and recreation areas, historical sites, hike and bike trails, nature trails, water activities and lots of quiet places to relax.

(361) 782-5456
www.brackenridgepark.com

Latitude: 28.9538
Longitude: -96.5436

Palmetto Bend Dam
CTC 022

This site is open for day use only.

Return west on TX 111 (towards Edna) to the intersection with FM 3131, then travel south on FM 3131 as it turns east to Palmetto Bend Dam. The agricultural fields along FM 3131 are attractive to grassland shorebirds in the spring, so be alert for flocks of American Golden-Plovers, Long-billed Curlews, and Upland Sandpipers. Turn left (east) on CR 417 (28.9137, -96.5894) and continue to Lake Texana and the LNRA Simon's Boat Ramp. Watch for Vermilion Flycatchers, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Eastern Bluebirds along the road to the Boat Ramp. Returning to FM 3131, continue 2 miles south to Palmetto Bend Dam. Upon reaching Palmetto Bend Dam, park in the designated sites and scan the lake for loons, grebes, and diving ducks. Watch for Cormorants, Brown Pelicans and Cave Swallows under the spillway, as well as Savannah Sparrows, Black Vultures and Killdeer in the grassland area. Typically, a pair of Bald Eagles nest south of the dam from October to May.

Latitude: 28.8896
Longitude: -96.5822

Lavaca / Navidad Estuary
CTC 023

This site is open for day use only.

Continue on FM 3131 east to the intersection with FM 1593, then turn right (south) on FM 1593 until reaching FM 616 at Lolita. Turn right again (west) on FM 616, and proceed until reaching the observation deck on FM 616 that overlooks the Lavaca/Navidad estuary. This parking area is a mere ¾ of a mile past the confluence of the Lavaca and Navidad rivers.

Few sites along the Texas coast match this estuary for its wildlife spectacle. Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, and a plethora of different Herons, Egrets, Ducks, Bitterns, and shorebirds milling in, above, and around these marshes offer observers a good variety of birds. In late summer and early fall look for Wood Storks.

Latitude: 28.8316
Longitude: -96.5886

Bennett Park
CTC 024

This site is open for day use only.

To reach the park, continue west on FM 616 and turn right (north) on CR 325 at LaSalle. Cross the tracks, and at the T-intersection (0.7 miles) follow CR 325 left. Turn left on CR 326 (1.3 miles) to the entrance to the park (1 mile).

This park is often referred to as the best kept birding secret of Jackson county, and the 200+ species of birds that have been documented here are a testament to that statement. Although visiting this park any time of the year is worthwhile, it is especially productive birding during the migration period. The palms that can be seen within this small, 40-acre park are Mexican Palmettos or Texas Sabal Palms (Sabal mexicanas), a species once thought limited in Texas to the Rio Grande Valley in southernmost Texas. The palms in the park occur here naturally and if left undisturbed will eventually grow to tree size.

Latitude: 28.7965
Longitude: -96.7024

Garcitas Boat Ramp
CTC 025

This site is open for day use only.

Retrace your path from Bennett Park to FM 616 at LaSalle, then continue west on FM 616 to the Garcitas Creek crossing. Park at the boat ramp, and bird the surrounding woodlands.

The boat ramp offers a similar habitat to Bennett Park, and with proper weather conditions migrants will enliven these woods as well. Check the marshes adjacent to the boat ramp for Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren, and the two species of waterthrush in migration. PLEASE DO NOT CROSS FENCES OR TRESPASS ON ADJACENT PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Latitude: 28.7781
Longitude: -96.6982