Couple questions

[Kenj8246]

No pics, but a few questions for anyone who shoots in and around Katy Prairie, especially the area south of Hockley around Warren Lake.

Was wondering if the birds are there yet? I'm from College Station so it's not a far drive. Are there places that are better than others to shoot in that general area? And, most importantly, can the birds be 'reached' with a MF 300mm or 400mm with a 2X TC? Those are my longest pieces of glass, both being old Nikkor Ai-S MF lenses, and are mounted to a Nikon D300.

Thanks.

[STPStudio]

I've never been and if I had info for you I would certainly let you know. Sounds like road trip time...Good luck!!

[corralup]

I should be going out there in a week or so. But yeah the birds are starting to show up.
I heard Bob Whites out there two months ago. The Sand Hill Cranes are making their way down. No snow geese yet. I have seen ducks and lots of hawks in the last two weeks.
I'm going to venture out this weekend to Brazoria Wildlife Refuge and Bryan Beach area.
Stay tuned!

Warren Ranch has a new board walk this year. I'm not sure if it's complete yet.
I looked on their site but nothing is mentioned yet.

Katy Prairie Conservancy | Birding

[Shadow]

400mm should be fine for birds on poles. MF in-flight would be a challenge. Lots of Hawks out and about, I'd wager. There are always Geese along Katy-Hockley road by a big pond in a park who's name escapes me at the moment....

For ideas about what's out there during the year, check out the Flickr group I started for it.
Flickr: Katy Prairie, Texas

I've been meaning to get up there soon myself.
Here's a White-tailed Hawk shot in February. This one made it on Cornell's Bird site for the species..

See it here if you have a paid membership...
http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/spe...lleries/photos

[Kenj8246]

Thanks for the tips, Sandy and Bruce. I drove through the prairie and by Warren Lake today after visiting Mercer Arboretum earlier. Didn't see much of anything. Will probably try it again in 2-3 weeks.