THE BEE COUNTY Historical Society was organized to discover, procure and preserve whatever may relate to the natural, civil, literary and ecclesiastical
history of the United States of America in general and to the State of Texas and County of Bee, in particular, and to establish and maintain collections in art, history, crafts and archeology. The Historic McClanahan House is open the first Sunday of every month. The house was constructed in 1867 and is the oldest business structure still standing in our county.
Check the Bee County Historical Society on Facebook for up-to-date information. “LIKE” the page as we post timeline updates. We will be posting dates and times of more events to come. We love our county and want to share its wealth of history.
IF YOU ARE interested in spending time with the birds of south Texas, there is hardly a better place to start than Bee County. Arriving in South Texas from the north, Bee County is where you are likely to make first contact with birds that make you feel you are visiting the tropics. You will encounter Green Jays, Audubon’s Orioles, Long-billed and Curve-billed Thrashers, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, Olive Sparrows, and Common Pauraques among many other
Brush Country specialties. Sought after species like Harris’s Hawk, Groovebilled Ani, Great Kiskadee and Green Kingfisher reach their northern limit in or near Bee County. The Texas Brush Country has the most diverse bird population north of Mexico. It is no surprise that Bee County has documented more than 288 species so far.
Several locations within the city of Beeville provide close viewing of area specialties. Veteran’s Memorial Park spans a portion of Poesta Creek. This
woody little creek is a good spot to locate the Great Kiskadee. Goldenfronted Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds and Green Jays are regulars. You may be
rewarded with glimpses of Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, a year-round resident. Spectacular Vermilion Flycatchers are known to breed in the park.
The 1-1/2 mile paved walking trail adjoining the campus of Coastal Bend College in Beeville is a great place for birders to catch sight of Loggerhead
Shrikes, Long-billed Thrashers and sometimes Cactus Wrens. A small pond provides water and attracts Pied-billed Grebes and other wetland species, including ducks.
Drive the smaller country roads just after dark and you may spot glowing rosy-red eyes along the road edge. These eyes belong to Common Pauraques,
nocturnal goatsuckers (yes, they really are called that!), that feed by fluttering up from the ground to catch insects.
Take it slow and spend a few days here. The people are friendly and the birding is good, especially during the fall and winter. You are likely to be thrilled with excellent looks at many of our amazing South Texas birds. Pack a jacket. Carry water. Wear sensible shoes. And expect to be delighted! There are so many special species to see!
For more information, visit www.experiencebeecounty.org
