Roll down your windows, drive slowly, and stop when you hear birds. They can be anywhere along the road. All land along the road is private—do not leave the roadside!  Park at the yellow cattle guard on the right by a swampy area. This used to better before it got drained, so that now it goes dry more often. Turn right on Illinois Lane and check out the pond and marsh on the right just before the ranch fence, where you have to turn around. There’s another pond visible on the left, just after you return to Wilson Shoals. When the road gets close to the river, there are a couple spots where fishers get to the river and you can pull off to scan the river. It’s Houston County on the other side, if you’re keeping county lists, so be sure which side of the river the bird is on. At the far end, you can get to a boat launch area in the small fishing village,  where Bedias Creek meets the Trinity River. It’s Trinity County on the other side; you can sometimes get the same bird in all three counties!

Migrants. Sparrows in winter. Water birds along Illinois Lane. Bald Eagles near the river. Barred Owls. Red-headed Woodpeckers. Breeding birds include Painted Bunting, Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Yellow-throated, White-eyed, and Red-eyed Vireo.

All land along the road is private—do not leave the roadside!  Residents are generally friendly toward birders.

Not applicable.