Golden-cheeked Warbler

Photo by Greg Lasley© Golden-cheeked Warbler (click for enlargement).

From early March through early July, Friedrich Wilderness Park is home to the Golden-cheeked Warbler (GCW). This very likeable song bird, with yellow cheeks, is an inhabitant of the Ashe juniper-oak woodlands located in the Balcones Escarpment of the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas. The GCW depends on Ashe juniper for fine bark strips to build its nest and oak trees for the insects they provide.

Land clearing for agriculture and urbanization have been major factors in the decline of GCW habitat. Land-use practices such as clearing woodlands and suppression of natural fires are not recommended, however, with careful management, certain land uses do not have to conflict with the habitat requirements of the Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Ashe juniper and mixed-oak woodlands should remain along creeks and draws, on steep slopes, and generally on rough terrain. Complete habitat management efforts that conserve mature juniper communities serve many interests; whereas total clearing has a detrimental effect on this endangered Texas warbler and upon other wildlife, water resources, and other precious land values.
Click here about more information from the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site about the endangered golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos who nest in our area.

Vickie Silvas, 2/99
Former Park Naturalist