Trail Length: 6.5 miles total
Highlights:
-Easy to access pond
-Chance for Hutton’s Vireo
The Location
Although this hotspot is ranked second in Hays County, it’s mostly because people get it confused with Aquarena Springs (where Spring Lake is actually located) and report birds that were never actually seen at the preserve. With that being said, this hotspot can still yield good birds like Least Grebe and Hutton’s Vireo.
This 251 acre greenspace is located on a hill with rocky limestone soil and
plenty of Ashe Juniper. Points of interest include the pond near Lime Kiln
road, the brushy habitat at the very top, and the creek bed on the north side.
Birding Recommendations
Park in the Lime
Kiln Road parking lot and make the short walk up to the pond. Look for
Least Grebe. It often hides in the cattails but will likely come out if you
wait long enough.
Hike the Exogyra trail to the top of the hill, work the brushy vegetation along
the path once at the top. Black-throated Sparrow has been spotted here before.
Lastly take the Bluestem trail all the way down to the Buckeye trail. This will
give you access to the dry creek bed and will lead you back to the pond near
the parking lot. This about .8 miles of walking, although it may feel longer
due to the elevation change.
Other Important Info
Trails on the hillside will be slick after rain, watch your step.
It’s easy to get turned around in this greenspace. Consider downloading
this map to take with you.
