Calamity Creek, Woodward Ranch
- 31 species - 18 July 2009
While in the Trans-Pecos on a herping trip, I decided to check out Calamity
Creek on the Woodward Ranch about 15 miles south of Alpine. The
Woodward Ranch is a private property
that allows public access for a fee - it is a famous rockhounding locale, but
also allows camping, picnicking, and bird-watching. Having camped there
previously, I knew that it had significant (ca. 0.75 mi) access along Calamity
Creek, and I had high hopes for finding some interesting Odes. I was not
dissappointed, finding 31 species, including several "lifers" as well as several
nice records.
The Habitat here is a weedy stream that meanders through rocky outcrops in
pinyon/oak woodland. There are several small impoundments that hold water
throughout the year (the stream runs throughout most years as well).
Habitat, Calamity Creek at Woodward Ranch
My list includes:
American Rubyspots (lots) no photos
Great Spreadwing (2)
Fiery-eyed Dancer (2) 4th Locale for the state of Texas, and northeasternmost
locale - Lifer
Kiowa Dancer (lots)
Springwater Dancer (lots)
Aztec Dancer (lots)
Variable Dancer (lots)
Sooty Dancer (lots)
Blue-ringed Dancer (lots)
Arroyo Bluet (lots)
Mexican Forktail (lots) no photos
Desert Firetail (lots)
Painted Damsel (lots)
Giant Darner (2) new locale for species - Lifer (posed)
Common Green Darner (4-5) posed
Serpent Ringtail (5-6)
Sulphur-tipped Clubtail (1)
Pale-faced Clubskimmer (lots)
Halloween Pennant (1) would have been County Record, had I thought to photograph
this common species
Swift Setwing (lots)
Checkered Setwing (lots) no photos
Plateau Dragonlet (3-4)
Eastern Pondhawk (lots)
Flame Skimmer (lots)
Widow Skimmer (lots)
Comanche Skimmer (lots)
Blue Dasher (5-6) no photos
Desert Whitetail (2)
Wandering Glider (4-5) no photos
Filigree Skimmer (lots)
Black Saddlebags (3-4) no photos