On March 5 of this year, Candy was sighted on-site at Wild Basin for the seventh year in a row! Color banded by Austin biologists on the preserve in 2011, it was determined that he is an after-second-year bird, making him approximately nine years old this year. He impressively holds the title as being the oldest documented Golden-cheeked Warbler on the Balcones Canyonland Preserve.
Candy’s punctuality never ceases to amaze the Wild Basin team. Every spring, he is one of the first of his kind to return to the preserve from the wintering grounds in Central America. In Mexico and Guatemala, Golden-cheeked Warblers travel in large mixed species flocks together with other migratory and resident birds. As an older experienced bird, Candy can defend his place within the flock, forage for insects, and return early to the Texas hill country breeding grounds. Early nesting for Golden-cheeked warblers is quite the beneficial tactic because they have a higher chance to rear a successful brood, as some nest predators are less active in the breeding season.
Sadly, Candy hasn’t had nesting success in the last few years. Although he commands prime territory at Wild Basin, urban development has skyrocketed over the years. Increased housing density has resulted in the loss of surrounding oak-juniper woodland, the trees Golden-cheeked warblers need to build nests. Additionally, more residential housing introduces competitors into the landscape such as rats, cats, squirrels, and blue jays subsisting on bird feeders. Furthermore, the sing-song birds ability to vocally communicate is hindered by the increase of road noise from Texas State Highway 360.
Despite all that, lucky visitors might be able to hear Candy’s little tune (which sounds like this) while taking a hike on the 2.5 miles of trail offered at Wild Basin, as he is one of the two sighted Golden-cheeked warblers on-site this spring.
Candy’s story demonstrates how individual Golden-cheeked Warblers can persevere while the population remains at risk. It also highlights the importance of conducting long term research to determine the sustainability of endangered species.
Special thanks to City of Austin Field Biologist Darrel Hutchinson for Golden-cheeked warbler surveys and information about Candy.