10. LOWER EDWARDS PLATEAU REGION
Blewett, Turkey Creek crossing: Uvalde County
A very limited access area south of US 90 on FM 1022. You have to stay on road access. Do not cross any fences. There is good flow of water with some interesting sighting of odes over the years. Leonora’s Dancer, Needham’s Skimmer, Pin-tailed Pondhawk, and others have been observed.
29.182657 -100.030508 degrees.
Cooks Slough Nature Park: Uvalde County
This natural birding habitat is home to some of the best birding and odes in the region. The park includes 25 acres of wetland, two wildlife-viewing stations and five shaded rest stations along the trials. Lots of variety due to differing habitats. This is one of my favorite places for odes in this area.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142618
https://www.visituvalde.com/uvalde_attractions/cooks-slough-sanctuary-and-nature-park/
Devil’s River State Scenic Park: Val Verde County
In southwest Texas, far from all cities and most people, lies one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. Clear spring-fed water tumbles past rugged ridges, scenic canyons and brushy banks. It’s not easy to get here, but it’s worth the effort. It’s a one-mile hike from the parking lot to the river. You’ll need to carry all your gear, so pack lightly! You must have a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) if you plan to access the Devils River State Natural Area or our paddler camps on an extended paddling trip. The DRAP costs $10. I have had the opportunity to check this site out only once. I think it has good potential for odeing. Check out the website for more information.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river
Fort Clark Springs and Las Moras Creek: Kinney County
Las Moras Springs are located on the grounds of Fort Clark in Brackettville and are the ninth largest group of springs in Texas, discharging an average of about 12 -14 million gallons per day. They rise under artesian pressure through a fault that overlies Edwards limestone, emerging at an elevation of about 1096 feet. The springs fill a large walled-in area which spills into a 300-foot long swimming pool, with excess flows diverted to a bypass channel around the pool. Just below the pool, both discharges combine and form the headwaters of Las Moras Creek. This is one of the best sites in the state for searching for odes. Depending on the time of the year, it is not difficult in observing as many as 50 species in a single day. Habitats include the spring and spring run, Las Moras creek, beaver ponds, wooded areas, and drying beds. There are parks and trails connecting these parks.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142630
https://www.fortclark.com/las-moras-springs.html
Hornsby Bend: Travis County
Odeing at Hornsby Bend is primarily limited to public land owned by the City of Austin and operated as the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant (HBBMP) by the City of Austin Water Utility. This facility (see map) consists of 1200 acres of ponds, woods, agricultural fields, abandoned pasture, and 3.5 miles of Colorado River bottom. The City of Austin graciously provides oders access to the HBBMP, and oders are expected to be on their best behavior. The HBBMP is where all of Austin's sewage and yard trimmings are recycled as the compost Dillo Dirt. Please observe all signs and posted regulations. The HBBMF is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Due to its proximity to Austin, this site is one (maybe the most) of the most visited sites in Texas. Therefore there are lots of observations of odes here.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=57574
https://www.hornsbybend.org/copy-of-location-guide
Lake Junction below the dam: Kimble County
This small lake located in the small town of Junction on the South Fork of the Llano River can be a good site for various ode species especially below the dam. All of the lake and below the dam is accessible to the public.
https://texas.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,2,fid,1864492,n,lake%20junction%20dam.cfm
Lost Maples State Park: Bandera County
The park showcases many Edwards Plateau plants and animals. Lost Maples holds steep and rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes and clear streams. The park is very popular during the fall and is often crowded. Schedule trips during the weekdays. One can spend all day searching for odes up and down the various streams and ponds. More ode enthusiasts should check this park out.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=138752
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
Live Oak Creek, Crockett County
Limited access (stay near the crossing). Live Oak Creek road crosses Live Oak Creek. This is approximately 2.5 miles north of Loop 290 in western Crockett County near Fort Lancaster State Historical Park. This is very good site for Leonora’s Dancer.
30.699546 -101.692750 degrees.
Medina River Nature Park: Bexar County
The park is located at 15890 Highway TX 16 on the south side of San Antonio. The Medina River Natural Area gives citizens access to a beautiful 511-acre property that has been enhanced with 7 miles of trails with interpretive features representing El Camino Real wagon trail. One of the trails follows along the Medina River which makes observing odes much easier. There is also a pond near the main buildings giving observers more options on a variety of odes.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=127496
https://www.sanantonio.gov/Planning/Events/ArtMID/15322/ArticleID/2574/Medina-River-Natural-Area
Nueces River access areas: Edwards, Real, and Uvalde Counties
Get out a map of Texas and look for TX 55 which runs from Uvalde to Sonora. Starting 19 miles north of Uvalde you will find one the first river crossings of the Nueces River. You will also see several others on side roads and on the main road between 19 mile crossing of the Nueces through Barksdale. There are at least 6 crossings that are accessible to someone wanting to check for odes. My favorite is the crossing west of Camp Wood on River Road. I have several species of interest at this site. This is one of the best sites for Comanche Dancer and Coppery Dancer.
Pecos River access on Pandale Road: Val Verde County
This crossing is several miles from the main highway US 90 on gravel roads. There is limited access at this site but can be good for several species of odes. I have not been to this site.
30.961647-103.709324 degrees
San Felipe Creek and parks: Val Verde County
As you enter Del Rio from the east on US 90 you will come to San Felipe Creek crossing. The spring is not accessible without permits but there are parks and trails down the creek for several blocks. Lots of houses up and down the creek especially on the west side of the creek. You have to stay away from the houses. Weekends are crowded so it is best to come during the week. I have gotten all three species of threadtails at this site. Also a White-tailed Sylph was found here for several days.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142680
Southeast Metro Park: Travis County
Southeast Metropolitan Park is an expansive park located just east of Austin at 4511 Hwy 71E, Del Valle. It offers miles of trails, a number of recreational areas, sports fields, fishing, picnic areas and more. A primitive trail is a 3 mile hiking trail that meanders through a forested area, offers climbs up and down steep hills, ridgetop-views of downtown Austin, and passes by two ponds and Onion Creek. The primitive hiking trail offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and ode viewing. There are lots of records of odes from this area.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=141207
https://freefuninaustin.com/southeast-metropolitan-park-austin/
South Llano River State Park: Kimble County
Located on the western edge of the Hill Country, South Llano River State Park is a unique combination of rocky upland backcountry and a lush pecan grove river bottom. The South Llano River is unique among west and central Texas rivers: it has never run dry in recorded history. Two large springs, in addition to many smaller springs, supply most of the water in the South Llano. I have only searched this area a couple of times. Most of the odes one finds here are stream species specialist.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=141273
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river