The Rio Brazos Audubon Society promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of native birds and their habitat through birding classes, local and regional field trips, habitat restoration, and conservation advocacy. They are committed to service and education for residents and visitors to the Brazos Valley.
Currently the Birch Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park does not have a bird blind. With your help, the Rio Brazos Audubon Society can build the first bird blind located in the central Brazos Valley.
The bird blind will allow everyone from families to serious birders/photographers the opportunity to see birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
The bird blind will let you scan the lake and nearby swamp and woods for birds and other wildlife. Bird feeding stations and a water drip will attract birds closer to the blind for easier viewing and photography.
Lake Somerville State Park has more than 200 recorded bird species and is a haven for ducks, herons, egrets, and White Pelicans. It is one of the best places in the central Brazos Valley to see Bald Eagles and Osprey. It is rich with hummingbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows, and more. Each season brings an opportunity to see different birds.
Birds of Lake Somerville checklist: • The site and plans for the blind have already been approved by the park. • The bird blind will be located near the park headquarters/visitor center. • It will be universally accessible. Two ADA standard wheelchair ramps will provide access into the bird blind. • If funded, the park has committed funds for an ADA-approved trail from the park headquarters/visitor center to the blind. • The bird blind can accommodate/seat up to 10 people. • The bird blind will use a roof/rain fed cistern to provide water for the water drip in the viewing area. • Native plants, feeding stations, and a water drip will be placed close to the bird blind. • The plans for the blind have already been generously donated by Stearns Design Build. • $4,500 have already been committed to the project by the Rio Brazos Audubon Society and the park.
The Audubon Society is asking for help with donations to buy building supplies, hire a professional crew to build the bird blind, and purchase benches to place along the path to the blind. An anonymous donor has generously offered to donate $2,000 when the campaign raises $6,500.
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
